The Muse Magazine’s latest issue, “On Borders and Intersections,” explores the expanding world of Sudanese visual arts across the Arab and African regions. The issue focuses on how Sudanese art is evolving as artists disperse and engage with new scenes in countries like Egypt, Kenya, and the UAE. It features critical essays and personal stories that highlight both the historical presence of Sudanese masters and the contemporary integration of artists into new communities, all while reframing the conversation around Sudanese art and its diaspora
2204 year end review
The Muse Magazine’s second issue, with the theme “Documentation and Archiving,” focuses on the importance of preserving artworks and cultural heritage, particularly in the context of war and displacement. It also explores the role of artists in archiving their own works and features interviews with key figures in the field.
In an interview, visual artist Mustafa Hussein Salem discusses his artistic journey, from his upbringing in Tokar and Suakin to his time at the College of Fine Arts and his experiences in various cities in Sudan. He also shares insights into his creative process and his connection to the city of Suakin.
The article “Manifestations of Displacement in the Literature of Imagery” explores how the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has significantly affected young artists from Khartoum. These artists are using their art as a political tool and a means of survival and documentation, as they are forced to deal with the psychological and physical impacts of displacement.
Authored by Mozafar Ramadan, this article examines the history of artistic institutions in Sudan and the complex interplay between art, politics, and social change, especially in the context of the December 2018 revolution. It critically analyzes how Western concepts have been adopted by the Sudanese educated elite and discusses the origins of “modern” plastic arts in Sudan, tracing them back to British colonial influence.
The article “The Muse in 2023, The year of turbulence and resilience” reflects on how the war in Khartoum impacted The Muse organization, leading to the loss of their headquarters. Despite the challenges, the organization members managed to save the institution and continued their work, shifting their focus to the future and establishing new alliances.
In this article, author Hassan Alnasir draws a parallel between the Palestinian Nakba of 1948 and the displacement of people from Khartoum during the war that began in April 2023. The article explores the concept of “recurrent loss” and how the experience of leaving Khartoum with the expectation of a quick return mirrors the experience of Palestinians during the Nakba.
In the heart of Khartoum, a burgeoning art scene thrived, born from the hope of a recent revolution. But on April 15, 2023, the city’s vibrant cultural pulse was shattered by the eruption of a civil war. This is the story of a workshop that was abruptly halted, of artists forced to flee their homes and studios, and of their unwavering resilience. Through writing, music, and visual art, they are not only coping with displacement but also documenting the raw, human experience of a city in conflict, holding onto the hope that a new artistic revolution might one day rise from the ashes.
Khartoum-based visual artist and architect Reem Aljeally’s exhibition, “Middle Voids,” is a visually seductive show that beautifully explores the connection between physical space and artistic creation. Featuring over 32 various-sized acrylic paintings, the work uses bold figuration, vivid colors, and thoughtful installations to articulate the spirit of her new studio, while also drawing inspiration from masters like Otto Dix and Frida Kahlo.
