This past Wednesday, members of the EMKP team had the pleasure of visiting a new in situ digital exhibition at UCL’s Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology. The showcase is part of Stage 1 in the museum’s ongoing Sudan Living Cultures project and displays the work of three independent artists in conversation with the collection. These include a triptych collage piece by Ahmed Akasha, a video performance with ceramics by Dina Nur Satti, and a collage by Yasmin Elnour. All three incorporate items from the Petrie’s displays, often adjacent to the artworks themselves!
Three digital collages by Ahmed Akasha. From left: The children who dream in colour, The women who carry this country, and The buildings that our ancestors built.
Dina Nur Satti, Milk Offering Vessel, ceramic pots and offering plate, video performance (0m, 40sec), 2024.
According to Programme Manager Sarita Mamseri, Sudan Living Cultures seeks to enhance understandings of Sudanese material by engaging stakeholders, community members, and knowledge-makers in the Sudanese diaspora. Alongside the showcase, this has included an opening event with artist talks and presentations, as well as a family-oriented collage workshop by Ahmed Akasha aimed at cultivating new visions of Sudan.
The archaeology of Nile civilizations has historically erased the impact of Sudanese culture in favour of Egyptian narratives. Indeed, until recently, the Petrie Museum only included ‘Egyptian’ in its name (it has since rebranded as the Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology). The Sudan Living Cultures project comes at a crucial time in the museum’s ongoing evolution when the importance of collection accessibility, indigenous collaboration, and digital dissemination are at an all-time high. As a result, this knowledge exchange offers to reinforce the intrinsic value of the catalogue and connect descendant communities to their rich heritage.
Sarita Mamseri in conversation with Paula Granados García.
The Sudan Living Cultures showcase ran in the museum from 26 October to 9 November and will soon be made available online. We thank Sarita Mamseri and the museum staff for taking the time to give us a tour.
Stay tuned for more news from the EMKP!
Ahmed Akasha, The women who carry this country, digital collage, 2024.