| HUMANIMALS |
| Dar al Naim - Sudan |
In Humanimals, Dar Al Naim presents a deeply personal exploration into the nature of identity, intertwining human and animal consciousness to confront the complexities of the human psyche. This collection represents a profound study of the inner self, where the artist embraces the essence of our shared instincts with the animal world. Through introspection, embodiment, and an intuitive understanding of fundamental drives, Dar Al Naim guides us to recognize the animal within, in its raw and unfiltered form.
The exhibition draws on the allegorical weight of ancient fables, folklore, and fairy tales, long used to convey the intricacies of the human condition. Like the age-old story of The Scorpion and the Frog, where the scorpion’s fateful words— “I couldn’t help it; it’s in my nature” — echo throughout the artist’s journey. Unable to resist the pull towards this Humanimal category of thought. Dar Al Naim explores the inevitability of our instincts and how they shape our identities. This interplay between human intention and animal instinct becomes the cornerstone of the work, reflecting the artist’s search for understanding amidst the emotional volatility of the human experience.
Central to Humanimals is the desire to fracture the rigid definitions of “humanness” and question what it means to exist as both human and animal in a natural world where the boundaries are porous and ever shifting. These artworks challenge unitarian concepts of identity, illustrating the convergence of human and animal consciousness through a body of work that blends vibrant color, large-scale compositions, and the tactile complexity of mixed media on both paper and canvas.
Across this collection, viewers encounter three distinct types of Human/Animal interactions: the search for self-identity, the direct conversation between Human and Animal (the Bird), and the Human/Animal Hybrid (the Wildebeest with a human head). It is this third interaction that gives rise to the exhibition’s title, Humanimals, as it embodies the full transformation of consciousness into a hybrid form.
Through versatile visual metaphors, the works evoke questions of belonging, herd mentality, innocence lost, and the inherent conflicts between authority and fragility. Dar Al Naim uses these forms to delve into themes of migration, resilience, and the unavoidable dance with danger that characterizes both human and animal life. Each piece invites viewers to engage with the cyclical nature of existence and the shared experiences that bind us to our natural world.
Humanimals, is where Dar Al Naim opens a dialogue about identity, emotion, and the primal instincts that lie beneath the surface. The exhibition becomes an invitation for viewers to confront their inner animal and reflect on the complexities of their own nature within a world where human and animal consciousness endlessly overlap and intertwine.
Artist Statement
My work as a visual artist is deeply rooted in the exploration of identity, language, memory, and the human experience. As an artist in the diaspora, my practice is shaped by the complex interplay of cultures, traditions, stories, and histories that have defined my personal and collective experiences.
I am particularly drawn to the expressive potential of mixed media, which allows me to fuse traditional and contemporary techniques in ways that challenge conventional boundaries. My work often incorporates hand-carved and hand-pressed prints made from recycled materials—including unconventional mediums like potatoes—along with ink drawings and mixed media paintings. This approach reflects my deep engagement with texture, layering, and collage practices.
Thematically, my art delves into the silent struggles and resilient spirit of individuals affected by war, displacement, and cultural dislocation. Through my work, I seek to give voice to stories that are often overlooked or silenced, creating a visual language that resonates with universal themes of loss, hope, and identity.
I draw inspiration from the landscapes and people of my homeland, Sudan, as well as the intricate dynamics of language and the resilience of the human mind. These elements converge in my work to create pieces that I believe are deeply personal yet broadly relatable.
For me, art is not just a means of self-expression but a way to connect with others, provoke thought, and foster empathy. I believe that through art, we can explore the complexities of the human condition and find common ground in our shared experiences.
As an artist, my goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of my practice, exploring new conversations and realities while remaining true to the core themes that drive my work. I see each piece as part of a larger narrative, one that speaks to the ongoing journey of understanding, healing, and growth.
