Sudanese Artist Yasmeen Abdullah speaks to TewasArt Africa about her solo show Soulscapes, explaining in detail the inspiration behind a few featured pieces, her creative process, and childhood memories, and briefly highlighting her struggles in Sudan when the war began.
Tewasart Africa: Congratulations on the successful launch of Soulscapes. What inspired the title and the idea of the show, in general
Yasmeen Abdullah: The title and idea of the show were inspired by the notion that humanity is interconnected, and each of us is part of a much larger picture. As individuals, we experience life through our own unique lens, yet our emotions, struggles, and triumphs are shared on a universal level. The show reflects this idea by exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the fluidity of the human experience.
The title represents the idea that while we may seem separate, we are all threads woven into the same vast tapestry. Each artwork is a piece of that tapestry, telling a story that resonates with the collective human experience. Through my art, I aim to highlight the connections between us, to remind viewers that we are not isolated beings, but part of something much greater. This idea of unity—of being part of a larger whole—is what ultimately shaped the concept of the show, offering a reflection on what it means to be human in an ever-evolving world.
Tewasart Africa: I’m curious, how long have you been in Muscat, Oman? And how did you end up there?
Yasmeen Abdullah: I’ve been in Muscat for 8 months now, and it has become a place where I’ve found inspiration and connection with the art community. The beauty of Oman made it a perfect place for me to immerse myself in creativity. And I am trying to explore new horizons and connect with diverse cultural influences and Omani artists, curators to start a new phase of my artistic career.
Tewasart Africa: How did you end up working with Feel Expression Art Gallery in Muscat, Oman?
Yasmeen Abdullah: After I made it to Oman and settled down and established my artistic practice once again I reached out to many local galleries here in Oman and Feel Expression Art Gallery was the first gallery to respond, my art caught their attention although it opened recently. Regardless I was drawn to the gallery’s space and the creative mind behind it. My collaboration with the gallery has been a natural fit, as it presented an incredible opportunity to showcase my work in an environment that values artistic experimentation and emotional depth.
Tewasart Africa: How would you describe your art style? And did you go through any formal training? How was your early career development?
Yasmeen Abdullah: My art style is deeply intuitive, rooted in an immersive process that blends color, texture, and form into a harmonious expression of my inner world. While I received formal training in fine arts at the College of Fine and Applied Arts at the Sudan University of Science and Technology (SUST), my exploration and interaction with the canvas have truly shaped my style. I experimented with techniques early in my career, starting with hyperrealism paintings. Still, it wasn’t until I embraced the fluidity of my current approach that I found my true artistic voice. Each piece is a journey of discovery, with the central figure emerging organically from the abstract chaos, leading to stories and dreamscapes that feel connected and alive.
Tewasart Africa: How was it growing up? Any childhood memories that have impacted your work and style?
Yasmeen Abdullah: Growing up, moving a lot, coming back to Sudan after spending most of my childhood in Qatar I was always surrounded by vivid imagery and storytelling, which left a lasting impression on me. Certain childhood memories, such as spending time moving from one house to another making the concept of home a very deep value, or creating imaginative worlds, have directly influenced my work. These experiences fostered a sense of wonder and exploration that continues to drive my artistic process. The interplay between reality and imagination, which I experienced as a child, is something I constantly revisit in my paintings.
Tewasart Africa: These paintings got my attention, kindly give an explanation or the inspiration behind them
Yasmeen Abdullah: “The Shifting Selves” reflects the fluidity of identity and how we continuously evolve. The piece started with an exploration of color and texture, eventually giving rise to abstract figures that seem to be in motion, representing the ever-changing nature of who we are. The central figure embodies a sense of transformation as if caught between different versions of themselves. This work is a meditation on the idea that our sense of self is never static but always in flux, adapting and shifting with time and experience.
In “Surrounded by Unspoken Words,” the focus is on communication and the weight of what remains unsaid. The artwork is built around a central figure encircled by abstract, flowing forms that represent thoughts and emotions that have yet to be voiced. The use of muted tones mixed with bursts of color captures the tension between silence and the desire to express oneself. This piece invites viewers to contemplate the hidden conversations that take place within us and how they shape our experiences.
“Lake Wrinkles” is inspired by the delicate, fleeting moments found in nature. The piece mimics the subtle ripples on the surface of a calm lake, with layered brushstrokes and textures that create a sense of depth and movement. Despite its small size, this work encapsulates the tranquility of nature and the intricate beauty of seemingly simple moments. The abstract elements serve as a metaphor for the complexity of emotions and memories that linger beneath the surface.
“The Glowing Box” centers around the theme of revelation and discovery. The box, a recurring motif in my work, symbolizes containment and hidden truths. In this piece, the light emanating from the box contrasts with the surrounding darkness, suggesting a moment of clarity or the unveiling of something previously obscured. This work speaks to the duality of light and shadow, confinement and liberation, inviting viewers to reflect on their moments of insight and understanding.
“Red Sun” delves into the idea that your thoughts can become your prisoners. The glowing red sun represents the intensity of inner conflict—both illuminating and confining. The bold color evokes a sense of warmth, but also danger, symbolizing how our thoughts can energize us or trap us in cycles of doubt and fear. The abstract form of the bird on the woman’s shoulder reflects the tension between mental freedom and entrapment, capturing the struggle to break free from the confines of our minds. This piece speaks to the power of thoughts to both ignite passion and create barriers, linking the cyclical nature of life to the relentless influence of our inner world.
This large-scale work, “To the Enemy Who Drinks Tea in Our Hut,” delves into themes of conflict, reconciliation, and shared humanity. The title hints at a paradoxical relationship—enemies finding themselves in a moment of stillness and perhaps even intimacy. The abstract imagery in the piece reflects the tension between opposition and connection, with chaotic, turbulent strokes juxtaposed against moments of calm. The piece is a powerful reflection on the complexities of relationships, whether personal or political, and the fragile balance between hostility and peace.
Tewasart Africa: A common scene in your work is the image of waterlogged rooms with figures seated motionless, does it mean anything to you?
Yasmeen Abdullah: Waterlogged rooms with motionless figures in my work often symbolize a state of emotional suspension or stillness. These images evoke feelings of being overwhelmed by life’s circumstances yet finding peace in the stillness. The water acts as both a barrier and a mirror, reflecting the internal world of the figures. This imagery captures the delicate balance between chaos and calm, between being submerged in one’s emotions and finding a place of quiet contemplation.
Tewasart Africa: What of the image of glowing boxes?
Yasmeen Abdullah: Glowing boxes in my work represent a duality of containment and revelation. The box is a confined space, a metaphor for limitations, boundaries, or secrets. Yet, the light emerging from within suggests discovery, hope, or the breaking free of those confines. This image reflects the tension between what we keep hidden and what we allow to be seen, inviting viewers to consider their moments of revelation and introspection.
Tewasart Africa: I’m also intrigued by the element merging nature and interior indoor settings, any explanation?
Yasmeen Abdullah: The merging of nature and indoor settings in my art explores the interconnectedness of our external and internal worlds. Nature creeping into domestic spaces represents the idea that no matter how much we try to contain or separate ourselves from the natural world, it always finds a way in. This blending of environments symbolizes the fluidity between our inner emotions and the outer world, emphasizing that the boundaries between them are often more porous than we think. and I refer that to the way I used to value the concept and how I used to imagine the walls and the furniture witnessed a big load of events and feelings between staying and leaving.
Tewasart Africa: Any career advice for young artists out there?
Yasmeen Abdullah: To young artists, I would say: trust the process and be patient with your growth. Art is not just about technique but also about discovering your voice and vision. Don’t be afraid to explore different styles, make mistakes, and push boundaries. Stay true to your creative instincts, and let the canvas guide you. Surround yourself with a supportive community, and remember that every piece you create is a step towards finding your place in the art world. Keep creating with passion and perseverance.