Sarrah El-Bushra

Sarrah’s artistic practice explores her experience of being a mixed-race woman, coming from two very different cultures. Using an abstract fusion of English and Arabic calligraphy, Sarrah layers text and imagery to represent multi-layered cultural experience and thoughts on identity and belonging.

Cultural influences come from her Sudanese/British heritage and the time she spent living in the Sudan as a teenager, as well as wider Arab and Middle Eastern influences. Calligraphy and abstract pattern, which are important elements in art from the MENA region, are key in her work, which uses calligraphic markings and forms to create pattern and accents. Her work encompasses a variety of printmaking techniques including screenprinting, intaglio, digital print and freehand lettering on paper and textiles dyed using natural pigments from Sudan, including henna, and hibiscus.

A practicing architect, Sarrah is also concerned with issues around the environment and housing, particularly homelessness. Her series These Homes Need People explores issues of homelessness and gentrification through a series of collage/mono-prints.

She has exhibited at group and joint exhibitions including Forward UK’s Hidden Scars at the Darnley gallery, Lon-Art Sheroes and Sheroes-Revoluciones at Ugly Duck, Inspired by at the Morley Gallery and Matter:Matter at Hygge Pygge.

You can see more of Sarrah’s work on Instagram @sarrahelb