Khalid Shatta’s work is inspired by modernist painting, but also by the art of ancient civilizations and by the culture of his birthplace, Sudan.

Shatta says: “I’m inspired by painters such as Hussein Gamaan, Kerry James Marshall, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Paul Klee and photographers like Malick Sidibé, Seydou Keïta and Gordon Parks. Ancient Sudanese history is another significant inspiration. Being of Nuba descent, I believe in trying to uncover the cultural heritage we lost under Islamic conquest and European colonialism.

I am currently exploring a theme I call the migration of the soul – the sensation of being out of place. We live in a time where many people feel a disconnection from their own bodies and existence. I make use of ancient Kemetic and Cushitic symbols from the historical kingdoms of the Nile valley civilisations. I believe that everything is connected through our shared history, even in this chaotic state of migration.”