Abushariaa Ahmed

International Mon 30-03-2009

Abushariaa Ahmed
Courtesy of Abushariaa.net

At a glance, his art is distinctly rich in decorative symbols. The semi-abstract style oozes with profuse imagery, indigenous idioms and unmistakable calligraphy – no doubt fired up by a fertile imagination. Little wonder then that his work has been acclaimed – both in the continent and overseas – as being simple yet inspirational.

But Abushariaa Ahmed may not be counted among Africa ’s well known artists as yet. He has nonetheless, successfully curved a niche for his work not only within East Africa but also in South Africa, across Europe and the US .

His artistic foundation is owed to Sudanese contemporary art pioneers like Osman Wagialla, Ahmed Abdel Al, Rashid Diab and Ibrahim Salahi among others. As the continent’s largest and most culturally diverse nation, the bulk of art from the region tends to incorporate ancient and contemporary African, Arabic and Islamic influences.

Whether focusing on the first or second generation artists – contemporary art from Sudan also draws heavily on calligraphic designs, traditional folk and historical motifs. Abushariaa has in his work, sustained high standards of creativity set by the pioneers.

From his current base in Kampala, Uganda, Abushariaa’s burst of creative energy and prolific output – has propped him up as a bonafide nucleus behind a tightly knit group of Sudanese artists working in countries neighbouring the Sudan .

He was among those who left the country after the 1989 military coup – the aftermath of which saw artistic expression been stifled by the new fanatical Islamist regime.

Artists and writers who, through their works – sought to draw attention to the twenty-year civil war in Southern Sudan or the Nuba Mountain genocide, were consequently prohibited to display their supposedly “controversial” works in public places or galleries. As a result, Abushariaa opted to relocate to Nairobi , in the early 1990s.

For over two years, he was the Artist in Residence at then Paa Ya Paa Arts Centre – within which time, news of his blossoming success inspired other Sudanese artists to follow in his footsteps and move to Nairobi .

Abushariaa has build up his prolific career – to quote Paa ya Paa’s founder, Elimo Njau – by gleaning insights “..from the past, but he lives in the present and faces the future with confidence as can be seen in his inspiring works of art”.

The artist affirms that his paintings are primarily influenced by traditional and modern Sudan – just as much as his creativity has flourished harmoniously within the context of the Nubian culture and his Moslem faith.

Abushariaa Ahmed

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