In 'Resistance in Memory,' Sudanese Photographers Bring Critical Visibility to a 'Forgotten War'

"In 2019, a revolution fueled by deep-seated discontent precipitated a coup to remove then-president of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir. Then in 2021, the military led another coup to take control of the government. In April 2023, all-out civil war erupted between rival military groups who sought to control the government: the country's armed forces and a paramilitary group called Rapid Support Forces (RSF). All results of decades of tensions, the evolving and disastrous struggle continues today."

"Photographers are our eyes on the ground in Sudan, providing glimpses of the realities of war, displacement, hunger-and hope-in this war-torn nation. Information is tightly controlled and the press heavily censored, which translates to very little insight into events. But images give the crisis much-needed visibility. With this in mind, The Africa Center brings together the work of 12 emerging, independent Sudanese photographers in the group exhibition Resistance in Memory: Visions of Sudan."

"Reflections of compassion, love, joy, and humanity ring through the show's 42 poignant photos, which range from black-and-white landscapes to documentary imagery to portraits. Six of the 12 artists included in the show still reside in the country, sharing personal experiences and observations throughout the last few years. A statement says, " Resistance in Memory: Visions of Sudan examines the memory of an ever-changing Sudan and the strength and resilience of its people who refuse to be forgotten or defined by those beyond its borders.""

A revolution in 2019 toppled Omar al-Bashir, followed by a military coup in 2021 and an April 2023 civil war between the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has produced mounting casualties, famine in regions, and nearly a third of the population displaced. Information is tightly controlled and the press faces heavy censorship, limiting insight into events. Sudanese photographers document war, displacement, hunger and resilience, providing visibility. The Africa Center presents a group exhibition of 12 emerging independent Sudanese photographers featuring 42 images ranging from black-and-white landscapes to portraits; six artists remain in Sudan. The exhibition runs through March 22 in New York City.

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