“Salah Elmur: Fixing Time” | Art21 "Extended Play"

Summary

This deeply emotional and nostalgic script captures the reflections of an artist, whose childhood memories in Sudan shape much of his work. Through vivid imagery and personal stories, he delves into the influence of his homeland, particularly the Blue Nile and his family's history. The narrative also touches on the harsh realities of war, political struggles, and displacement. As the artist discusses his creative journey and connection to his past, the script explores themes of memory, identity, and the impact of technology on art and photography. Ultimately, it paints a portrait of resilience and the power of the past in shaping one's future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on their past, capturing images and emotions from childhood, particularly from their time in Sudan.
• 😀 Family photographs hold a special meaning for the speaker, with a particular fondness for an image of their mother in traditional Sudanese wedding attire.
• 😀 The speaker feels nostalgia for their hometown in Sudan, particularly for the Blue Nile, the neighborhood, and the rich community life they had there.
• 😀 Despite living in Cairo for almost 12 years, the speaker continues to visit Sudan to recharge and reconnect with their roots.
• 😀 Due to ongoing war, the speaker has been away from Sudan longer than ever before, facing displacement and personal losses.
• 😀 The political situation in Sudan, especially the oppression under the Muslim Brotherhood, has influenced the speaker's art, particularly a series about innocent prisoners.
• 😀 The speaker recalls a moment when they were arrested for creating a cartoon critical of the Muslim Brotherhood, highlighting the harsh political repression at the time.
• 😀 The speaker expresses deep regret over losing a backup of 20 years of work during the war and recounts the difficult journey to Cairo, where some people died along the way.
• 😀 The speaker's interest in photography started in childhood, inspired by their father's work, and the imperfections in old photographs are now seen as treasures.
• 😀 The speaker created a 3D installation based on their father's photography studio, incorporating elements of memory and imagination to recreate a sense of the past.
• 😀 The speaker admires the beauty of Khartoum, Sudan, and the memories it holds, from its streets and alleys to the simple pleasures like drinking tea with goat milk while sitting on an acacia wood platform.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'small boxes' mentioned in the beginning of the script?

The 'small boxes' represent fragments of memories or images from the artist's life. These mental snapshots capture emotions and experiences from different times, such as his childhood, the river, and the sky.

How does the artist view the photographs of his family, and why are they important?

The artist values the old photographs of his family, particularly one of his parents during a Sudanese wedding. He sees photographs as a way to preserve time and hold onto memories, making them a 'miracle' because they freeze moments in history.

What role does Sudan play in the artist's identity and work?

Sudan is central to the artist's identity. Much of his artwork is inspired by his experiences growing up in Sudan, particularly near the Blue Nile. His memories of the place, its people, and the surroundings deeply influence his art.

What does the artist mean by saying he doesn't think about the future but always focuses on the past?

The artist is nostalgic and reflects deeply on the past, particularly on his childhood and the emotions tied to it. He cherishes the 'smell of history' and prefers to be connected to memories rather than looking ahead.

What impact did the war in Sudan have on the artist and his family?

The war in Sudan forced the artist and his family to flee the country. It led to the displacement of his relatives, with some even dying during the journey. This conflict and the loss of his work, including important backups, are deeply personal tragedies for the artist.

How did the political situation in Sudan affect the artist's career?

The political turmoil in Sudan, particularly under the Muslim Brotherhood, led to the artist's arrest for creating cartoons critical of the regime. This experience of censorship and oppression inspired his series on innocent prisoners.

What is the significance of the artist’s father’s photography studio?

The artist's father's photography studio, where he worked with photographs that were often imperfect (e.g., double exposure), is a key influence on the artist's own creative process. The 'defects' in the photos were seen as treasures, contributing to the artist's unique style.

How did the artist recreate his father's studio in his artwork?

The artist created an installation that represented his father’s photography studio. By imagining the studio in his mind and using stories his family shared, he recreated the space in a 3D format, blending nostalgia and his artistic vision.

How does the artist feel about modern photography and its reliance on technology?

The artist reflects on how modern photography often relies on technology, which can overshadow the personal, imperfect aspects of capturing a moment. He contrasts this with the old, more personal photographs taken by his father, which carried more authenticity.

What is the artist’s connection to Khartoum, and how does it influence his work?

Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, holds a deep personal connection for the artist. He loves its streets, the Blue Nile, and its culture. The artist’s vivid memories of sitting in small cafes, enjoying local treats, and being part of the community are reflected in the atmosphere and emotions of his art.