Red and Black Abstract Layers, 1995

Hussein Shariffe (حسين شريف), born in 1934 in Omdurman, Sudan, and passing in 2005, was a pioneering Sudanese painter, filmmaker, and poet. Shariffe is widely recognized for his evocative abstract and semi-figurative paintings, which often reflect the landscapes and cultural narratives of Sudan. His work is characterized by a lyrical use of color and form, drawing on both Sudanese heritage and his academic background in the United Kingdom, where he studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. Shariffe’s artistic practice extended into experimental filmmaking, with notable works such as "The Dislocation of Amber," which further established his reputation as a multidisciplinary artist.

Shariffe’s paintings have been exhibited in major institutions, including the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian Institution and the Sharjah Art Foundation, which hosted a significant retrospective of his work. His art has also been featured in group exhibitions at the Tate Modern and the Saatchi Gallery, underscoring his influence on both African and international art scenes. At auction, Shariffe’s works have appeared at Christie’s and Sotheby’s, achieving notable results and affirming his status as a key figure in modern Sudanese art. His legacy endures through his contributions to both visual arts and cinema, marking him as a central figure in the cultural history of Sudan.