Sharjah24: The Arab Cultural Club in Sharjah hosted a Sudanese cultural evening that included a symposium honouring the late pioneering poet Saleh Abdel Sayed, also known as Abu Salah, and an art exhibition by the artist Bakri Bilal.
The event showcased musical performances by artists Mohammed Badawi Abu Salah and Othman Al-Fahil, with attendance from Dr Omar Abdulaziz, Chairman of the club’s board.
The evening was rich with art, poetry, and thought-provoking discussions, showcasing the history and evolution of visual arts, poetry, and music in Sudan.
The art exhibition by Bakri Bilal, titled "Resting in the Shrine of Meroe," featured approximately 30 small-sized paintings, presenting a unified collection of work. Born in Omdurman in 1943, Bilal has been actively practicing art since the 1960s.
He possesses a fine arts degree and has showcased his work in more than 40 exhibitions across Sudan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, London, Switzerland, and California. Bilal expressed that his work draws inspiration from Sudan’s rich heritage, incorporating Nubian art, African influences, and Arabic calligraphy, merging different styles to develop his distinctive artistic approach.
Dr. Abdo Osman Atta Fadil reflected on Bilal's artistic journey, highlighting his use of vibrant colours inspired by Sudanese landscapes and his emphasis on expressive eyes in his early works.
Fadil noted that Bilal's style changed after departing from Sudan, with his recent pieces showcasing a brighter, more cheerful color scheme while continuing to incorporate Sudanese motifs, especially those from Meroe and Omdurman. Bilal’s incorporation of various materials like canvas, paper, and acrylics consistently showcases his profound connection to Sudanese culture.
The symposium marked the 60th anniversary of Abu Salah's passing, with presentations by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Reih and Badawi Saleh Abdel Sayed, introduced by media personality Al-Zubair Saeed.
Badawi, Abu Salah's son spoke about his father's groundbreaking influence in Sudanese poetry and his significant role in the "Haqiba" school of poetry, which thrived in the early 20th century.
Dr. Al-Reih emphasised Abu Salah's talent for expressing intricate concepts in an accessible manner by employing concise phrases and rhythmic structures that engaged listeners. The evening wrapped up with performances of Abu Salah’s songs, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience. Ahli advances to the quarterfinals of the President's Cup.
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