“النوم تعال Things I Knew When I Was Young”: an artistic dive by Amna Elhassan into childhood and its paradoxes

Until August 17, Sudanese artist Amna Elhassan transports Sakhile&Me gallery’s art space into a nostalgic, sweetly imbued atmosphere, evoking childhood memories in visitors. Under the moving title of “النوم تعال Things I Knew When I Was Young“, her solo exhibition unveils a series of shimmering paintings that capture the imagination, exploring reminiscences and daydreams from her childhood. Through her works, the artist delves into the profound impact of play on individual and societal development, offering a luminous and touching vision of childhood nostalgia.

Against the harrowing backdrop of the war that broke out in her native country in 2023, Amna Elhassan’s work takes on a poignant resonance, revealing the contrast between her own sheltered childhood in Khartoum’s Shambat district and the cruel realities facing children today. Through her latest series of vibrantly hued paintings, this singular artist subtly expands the horizons of her artistic style. In “النوم تعال Things I Knew When I Was Young“, she highlights a meticulous and distinctive representation of the human figure and iconic objects.

Indeed, Amna Elhassan brilliantly manages to evoke the carefree days of childhood through accessories characteristic of that enchanted period. From little cars racing along imaginary roads, to water pistols sparking epic battles, to cats as both accomplices and rivals, the contemporary artist skilfully recreates the innocence and carefree spirit of childhood. The exhibition’s flagship work, “Pillow Amir“, is inspired by a touching memory in which, at the age of four, Amna Elhassan claimed that her pillow was her son named Amir, a character that her whole family had to treat as such, a scene imbued with tenderness and imagination.

The innovative creations of this contemporary artist offer a captivating reflection on the playful dimension of childhood. An artistic composition featuring an accumulation of molten plastic water pistols resting on a Lego base stands as a striking metaphor, exploring the links between war and plastic material, both impactful and socially sustained. Another sculptural work depicts deconstructed plastic children’s chairs, evoking the common game of musical chairs and questioning the sometimes violent narratives of competition present in the world of children’s games.

The art space houses an intriguing installation of pillows floating under a cloudy sky, inviting visitors to plunge into Amna Elhassan’s sonic memories. A soundscape envelops the room with maternal lullabies, toys emitting familiar sounds and sound effects evoking pillow fights, offering an immersive sensory experience that weaves links between the artist’s past and present.

In this melancholy journey, the Sudanese artist revisits her sheltered childhood, tinged with the affection of her extended family, while contrasting these memories with the turbulent environment faced by today’s younger generations. Her work invites viewers to ponder the impact of childhood experiences on the construction of adult visions and attitudes, questioning the role of competitive and violent play in the transmission of conflict-ridden cultures.

Focusing on youth within a fragmented society, Amna Elhassan fashions a poignant reflection on innocence, memory and the enduring legacy of our early years. “النوم تعال Things I Knew When I Was Young” prompts viewers to re-examine their own childhood and question the contemporary meaning of childhood.