Almas Art Foundation is pleased to present KHARTOUM from MEMORY: The Life and Art of T S Ahmed (1933– 2015), an exhibition of selected paintings and prints.
This exhibition is the fifth in Almas Art Foundation’s ongoing series dedicated to Sudan, following Sudan: A Visual Art Narrative – An Exhibition of Pioneer Artists ( June 2025), The Sudanese Kitchen ( July 2025), Sudan Retold (October 2025) and Sudan: A Visual Art Narrative – Second Generation Exhibition ( January 2026).
Together, these exhibitions aim to present a nuanced and human image of Sudan—one grounded in artistic excellence, cultural richness, and enduring values. This mission is particularly vital amid the ongoing conflict that has devastated much of the country’s material culture. By highlighting the long-standing contributions of Sudanese artists to modern African and global art, this series continues Almas Art Foundation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Sudan’s artistic legacy for future generations.
KHARTOUM from MEMORY: The Life and Art of T S Ahmed (1933–2015)
March 26 - May 16, 2026
Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm (closed on Sunday)
This special exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the life and work of T. S. Ahmed, an outstanding yet overlooked pioneer of modern art in Africa and the Middle East. A contemporary of David Hockney at the Royal College of Art, Ahmed graduated in 1962 with a Silver Medal for Excellence, following multiple prize wins including Young Contemporaries (London 1961/62) and Graven Image (1962). His early promise in London was marked by critical acclaim, including praise from The Guardian. Yet after returning to Sudan in 1963, and later working across East Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, his remarkable legacy remained largely unrecognised internationally.
The exhibition will feature rare prints from the Royal College of Art archives, alongside significant paintings from Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts and private collections. This exhibition also marks the launch of KHARTOUM from MEMORY: The Life and Art of T S Ahmed by Fathi Osman — the first publication dedicated to documenting the artist’s extraordinary journey and enduring contribution. This exhibition has been made possible in part through the generous support of the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), whose commitment to championing independent cultural initiatives has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition
