Episode 47: Painting the Revolution with Assil Diab aka ‘SudaLove’
This week, we’re joined by Sudanese graffiti artist, graphic designer, and visual artist Assil Diab, also known as ‘Sudalove’.
When the Sudanese Revolution erupted in 2018 and protesters began to be killed, Assil responded by painting powerful murals honouring those who lost their lives at the hands of the regime. We speak to her about the role of art in resistance and remembrance, and the deep emotional weight behind her work.
Assil also reflects on her connection to Sudan, growing up abroad, the oppression she experienced during the revolution, and how life has changed since she was forced to leave.
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About
Assil Diab is a renowned Sudanese visual artist, graphic designer, and graffiti artist, known professionally as Sudalove. Born in Romania and raised in both Qatar and Sudan, she is widely recognized as the first female graffiti artist to emerge from Sudan and Qatar. Now living in the United States, her groundbreaking contributions to street art and activism have earned her international acclaim.
She has worked as a freelance artist and designer, creating branding, logos, and commissioned murals for restaurants, cafes, shops, and public spaces. Her artwork has been exhibited in countries including Germany, Bahrain, Bangladesh, and the United States.
One of her most widely recognized projects is Martyrs Graffiti, a tribute to the Sudanese revolution that began in December 2018. In this project, she traveled across Sudan painting murals on the homes of over 30 martyrs who were killed by government forces, memorializing them through her art.
Learn more about her work:
https://www.instagram.com/sudalove/?hl=en