In Conversation with Amel Bashir

In Conversation with Amel Bashir

This week, with kind permission of The Society for the Study of the Sudans, I reproduce an interview with the remarkable Sudanese artist, Amel Bashir, first published in the Journal of SSSUK in July 2021. Amel reveals the sources of her artistic inspiration and the role her family and her childhood have played in shaping her complex, delicate style in a warm, lively conversation. She explains too how the power and grace of Sudanese women inform her art.

At this time of great tragedy for Sudan, art reminds us to keep hold of our hope and humanity.

Above, Amel holding a copy of Contes du Soudan, a collection of traditional Sudanese folk tales told by grandmothers to their families, magically illustrated by the artist. The collection was published in 2015 by Éditions du Jasmin. Below, just some of her artwork in the collection.