Sudanese Visual Artist Galal Yousif Goly Marks 3 Years in Nairobi After Losing Everything in War

Multidisciplinary Sudanese visual artist Galal Yousif Goly is marking three years of living in Nairobi, Kenya, after fleeing the war in Khartoum, Sudan, where he lost his life’s work, his studio and everything he owned.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Goly reflected on his journey from devastation to rebuilding, describing Nairobi as a shelter and a second home. “It’s been 3 years now in Nairobi, Kenya and it’s been a shelter after losing everything in Khartoum, Sudan. When I came here I only came with a backpack and I couldn’t manage to go back to my studio to get some of my art because it is in the war zone.

Unfortunately my studio in Khartoum couldn’t survive the war. I have lost everything in that studio but nothing can stop me from creating new art and it is my way to fight to survive,” he said. 

Goly recalled arriving in Nairobi traumatised and exhausted, carrying little more than a backpack and a heavy heart. “There is good people and good friends helped me when I came to Nairobi out of war, sick and tired of war with a heavy heart and a backpack. Don’t want to mention names but they know I do appreciate everything they have done to make me stand again.

These 3 years wasn’t easy to stand again. Also there have been bad as there is good especially in the art business, and there was many bad experience in the art business. After losing everything you see things in different ways and the experience of war it’s heavy and makes you see life in different ways.”

While thanking those who supported him, he also spoke about challenges within the art industry, calling for fairness and unity among artists. “I am not against the people who are in the art business but things must be fair for everyone. Till things will be fair I will just be working by myself. I am not saying this to make the artists rise, everyone is free to see his things in different ways, but I hope artists will stand together not only for themselves but for art itself and for the business of art. Together we grow and art will grow and business will grow,” he added. 

Goly shared photos of his new studio in Nairobi alongside haunting images of his former Khartoum studio, which was destroyed by the ongoing conflict. “These are photos of my new studio, but the Khartoum studio will always be remembered and will remain deep in my heart. You can see the photos of how it was and how it destroyed by war.”

The artist expressed appreciation for Kenya and its people, noting that he no longer feels like a stranger after three years in the country. “Much love and much thanks to Kenya and the people of Kenya, because now I don’t feel like a stranger, and it’s been a warm home for 3 years. My Khartoum studio was open to everyone and this one will be too.”