Ahmed Khirelsid
b. 2001 Sudan
Based in Abidjan (Cǒte d’Ivoire)
‘In 2019, a major youth revolution was sparked in Sudan, demanding civil rule after thirty years of military dictatorship. Witnessing these transformations in my environment, society and city, I felt a deep need to document them. Photography became my way of capturing history as it unfolded around me, as well as a tool for self-discovery and healing.
I hope my work encourages people to reflect on the resilience of individuals amidst upheaval and the profound effects of war on personal and collective identities. By sharing these visual narratives, I want to create a space for empathy and awareness.’
Images:
1-Ahmed Khirelsid, Untitled [Self Portrait], 2023, from the series Under Control © Ahmed Khirelsid
2-Ahmed Khirelsid, Untitled [Checking Point], 2023, from the series Under Control © Ahmed Khirelsid
3-Ahmed Khirelsid, Untitled [The Neighborhood], 2023, from the series Under Control © Ahmed Khirelsid
4-Ahmed Khirelsid, Untitled [Fleeing Khartoum to Ad-Damar], 2023, from the series Under Control © Ahmed Khirelsid
5-Ahmed Khirelsid, Untitled [My Brother, Abdo], 2023, from the series Under Control © Ahmed Khirelsid
6-Ahmed Khirelsid, Untitled [My Sister, Woud], 2023, from the series Under Control © Ahmed Khirelsid
7-Ahmed Khirelsid, Untitled [Self Portrait], 2023, from the series Under Control © Ahmed Khirelsid
8-Ahmed Khirelsid, Untitled [Dates], 2023, from the series Under Control © Ahmed Khirelsid
Further artists in the Gen Z series can be found here
Bringing together 66 artists from across the world, Photo Elysée celebrates emerging talent with the touring exhibition Gen Z: Shaping a New Gaze, currently on display at Fotografie Forum Frankfurt, Germany, until 30 August 2026. As media partner, 1000 Words is featuring the work and accompanying texts of all participating artists in our weekly column dedicated to new voices in contemporary photography.
