SUDAN’S PHOENIX PEOPLE Eclectica Contemporary www.eclecticacontemporary.co.za
Above: Twin, 2019, Acrylic on Canvas, 120 x 180 cm Right: (Detail) The Big Wall II, 2019, Acrylic on Canvas, 150 x 180 cm
“For the People of Sudan, the pain of gathering what little hope remains to muster a ‘final’ attempt at overthrowing any form of oppression is regularly met with bitter disappointment. As the world grows more connected, so do they also grow more numb to the atrocities against humanity, the international community seemingly nonplussed at the plight of the Sudanese. Again and again they rise as a united people against oppressors who were once brothers and sisters but are now no more than murderers, thieves and rapists. But they will rise, as they always have done and no matter the pain and loss, they will one day triumph. This is why my People of Sudan are the Phoenix People.” - Hussein Salim
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The challenge of rising up is to pay attention. A waterfall decrying the current crisis in Sudan has recently spurted forth and the important, crucial response is to pay attention, to look, listen and support in any way possible. For some this means sharing the few articles, statements and images that have come to be despite the blackout instilled in the country. For others, it is turning social media platforms Mattar Blue, a colour that has come to stand for all the individuals who have lost their lives during the struggle. To us, it is to create a space in solidarity with Sudan and to acknowledge our artist Hussein Salim, who was forced to leave Sudan in the early 1990s because the ongoing conflict. In Sudan, walls have been turned into posters, platforms for expression, murals, catharsis, information, while a few Instagram accounts share and highlight this work. To this, we must pay attention.
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