Nile DADA Photomontage: Contextualization of Sudan’s Revolution
Short Notes about the DADASCAPES Series
DADASCAPE №1 | Nile DADA Photomontage
Photomontage on Digital Canvas
Mixed Media
24000 x 18000 px
AI Assets Generation and Selection
CC0 Assets Selection
Photo Edits and Paintings
Collage and Cutouts
Years ago, we made the decision to revolt in pursuit of freedom, peace, and justice. The 30-year tyranny was overthrown as the populace came together in a triumphant revolution.
We assumed we had prevailed!
We believed that democratic ideals had been attained!
For a split second, we felt secure!B[PEPE] KunTa
A personal perspective
I lived in Khartoum, Sudan, for the last two decades, from December 2018 to April 2023, during the Sudanese Revolution and the subsequent war and evacuation.
The context of the Sudanese Revolution was complex and multifaceted, but at its core, it was a people-powered movement for democracy, freedom, and justice. For decades, the Sudanese people had suffered under the oppressive rule of al-Bashir, who had come to power in a military coup in 1989. Al-Bashir’s regime was characterized by widespread corruption, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement.
In December 2018, the Sudanese people had finally had enough. They took to the streets in protest of the government’s decision to triple the price of bread. The protests quickly spread across the country, and soon, people were demanding not just economic reforms but also political change.
I joined the protests early on. I saw people from all walks of life come together to demand a better future for their country. I was one of many young individuals who took part in the demonstrations. I thought that the Sudanese people deserved to live in a nation where they were free from persecution and could enjoy the essentials of life.
The protests were met with a brutal crackdown by the Sudanese security forces. Thousands of people were arrested, tortured, and killed. But despite the repression, the Sudanese people refused to give up. They continued to protest day after day, week after week, and month after month.
In April 2019, the Sudanese military finally ousted Bashir from power. This was a major victory for the Sudanese people, but it was only the beginning. The Sudanese military then formed a transitional government with the opposition, but the two sides were unable to agree on a number of key issues.
In October 2021, the Sudanese military staged a coup, dissolving the transitional government and arresting its civilian leaders. This was a major setback for the Sudanese Revolution, but the Sudanese people once again refused to give up. They continued to protest against the coup, and there were a number of clashes between protesters and the security forces.
In April 2023, the war started in Sudan. Rapid Support Forces [RSF], a military-based militia, launched an offensive against the Sudanese Army Forces [SAF], and SAF responded with airstrikes and ground operations. The war quickly spread to other parts of the country, and millions of people were displaced.
I was one of the many people who had to evacuate Khartoum when the war started. I left my home and my business behind, and I don’t know when I will be able to return.
The Sudanese Revolution is not over. We are still fighting for freedom, peace, and justice. I believe that the Sudanese people will eventually achieve their goals, but it will be a long and difficult struggle.
Digital art as a tool for activism
As a digital artist, I utilize my work to promote the Sudanese Revolution and raise awareness of human rights violations perpetrated by corrupted military and militia groups. I want to make art that will encourage people to join the revolution and support Sudan’s vision of a brighter future.
DADASCAPES SERIES explores my inner thoughts after I was forced to flee my hometown two months ago due to the war. In the art series, I use Dadaism, Photomontage, Glitch, and Landscape to express genuine self-reflective thoughts.
I believe that by employing photomontage methods, I might call into question commonly held beliefs about reality and start intriguing dialogues about perception, identity, and the human experience.
The way ahead
The Sudanese Revolution has been a difficult and challenging time for me, but it has also been a time of great hope and inspiration. I am proud to have been a part of it, and I am committed to continuing the fight for a better Sudan.
I encourage everyone to learn more about the Sudanese Revolution and to support the Sudanese people in their struggle for freedom, peace, and justice.
