Between Memories and Absence is a personal exploration of identity, belonging and cultural heritage by Sudanese artist Tasneem Elnayal. The exhibition reflects Elnayal's relationship with the land, people and the cultural traditions of Sudan.
Through abstracts, organic forms and motifs that evoke the spirit of the land and its people, Elnayal explores the delicate, deeply personal and collective narrative of a connection to a home and how the distance between you and the homeland bleeds into your work and life.
Initially inspired by cherished memories of Sudan— a place imbued with family, friends and warmth, the artist's early paintings evoke a sense of nostalgia and celebration. However, the eruption of war in Sudan on April 15th 2023 marked a turning point, re-framing the narrative of home and memory. As part of the diaspora, the ongoing proxy war has transformed the artist's perspective, shifting the focus from personal recollections to collective grief and the fractured histories of a nation in turmoil.
The works embody a layered narrative of what makes up the artist, Tasneem Elnayal as a Sudanese woman who grew up in London. Her work blends these influences into a distinct visual language that explores the complexity of home, the enduring echoes of family, and the collective mourning of a country.