Quote by Ibrahim El-Salahi: “We have to look back to move forward, understanding our history.”

This statement emphasizes the vital role of historical understanding in guiding future progress and development. It suggests that by recognizing and learning from past experiences, societies and individuals can navigate towards a more informed and meaningful future, building on lessons learned.

In discussions surrounding the evolution of African art and identity in a postcolonial world, El-Salahi often stressed the importance of acknowledging cultural heritage and historical narratives to forge a path for future artistic expression and societal development.

Sudanese visual artist considered a pioneer of Sudanese modernism who blended Islamic calligraphy, Sudanese folk traditions, and Western abstract art. His work is held in major international collections including MoMA. He was imprisoned without charge by Sudanese authorities in 1975 and later lived in exile in Qatar and the United Kingdom.