Amna Elhassan: a relentless journey of pursuing a safe space

Amna Elhassan draws inspiration from the physical, spiritual and spatial transformative processes experienced by women in her community in Khartoum. The outbreak of war between rival factions of the military government in Sudan in April 2023, has heavily impacted her community. By December 2023, over 5.8 million were internally displaced while more than 1.5 million others had sought refuge in other countries. Amna and her family were among those affected, compelled to join the ranks of the displaced and refugees.

Yet even in transit, Amna’s unique contribution to the conversation surrounding women’s status in today’s society continues. APE commissioned her to create a piece of work under the theme ‘Oasis’. With no access to a pallet, brushes, paints, easel or canvas Amna sketched her piece while in transit in Cairo, and completed the work in Saudi Arabia where she now lives. 

Her inspiration came from ‘my journey of escaping the war, which started in Khartoum, Halfa (a city north of Sudan in the borders with Egypt), Cairo, and Saudi Arabia, my journey of seeking safe space.’ The results are astounding.  Oasis is a poignant, warm and beautiful piece portraying a female figure that seems to earnestly call for safe places to retreat amidst a world in convolution. 

Amna speaks about Oasis:

The main feature of the work is the presence of this figure, freely in the world of dreams. I want to remain resilient and hopeful despite all the chaos and amid all these transformations. The work is about the relentless pursuit of a brighter horizon.

Oasis is displayed at APE’s office Lazy Moon in Oxfordshire and will be part of the exhibition Displaced by War arts exhibition later in 2024.

Oasis - a poignant piece portraying a female figure that seems to earnestly call for safe places to retreat amidst a world in convolution