On My Mind: Wala’adin Abdurahaman by Faiz Abubakr

september 15, 2025by Ahmed Umar

To celebrate Foam’s 25th anniversary, Foam Magazine’s latest issue Test of Time invites an artist to share with us one photograph that has recently been on their mind.

Wala’adin Abdurahaman, 22, photographed at a military hospital in Khartoum. Courtesy of Faiz Abubakr

 

There are thousands of pictures I wish had never needed to be taken, had never found their way to me and become etched in my mind. But here they are. We have seen over 2 years of war ravaging the Sudanese land, more than 14 million people displaced, estimates of 150 thousand lives lost, and hundreds of thousands to follow if no immediate measures are taken. Despite all this, our struggles receive minimal global media attention. 
 
Pictured here is Walaa Eldin Abdel Rahman, 22 years old. He was detained by the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces for more than 18 months in Khartoum's Soba prison. He said he was subjected to constant torture and given meagre and irregular amounts of food and water. After the Sudanese military released him upon recapturing Khartoum, he lost so much weight that his mother initially refused to open the door when he arrived at his home because she didn't recognise him.

This feature was published in Foam Magazine 67, Test of Time, in 2025. To read the full magazine, order FM#67

About the artist

FAIZ ABUBAKR is a distinguished photojournalist whose work has received widespread recognition and numerous awards, including: World Press Photo Award (2022) – Best Image in Africa category , and Xposure Photography Award – Sharjah. In addition to these honors, Faiz has participated in several professional workshops offered by globally renowned institutions such as World Press Photo, further demonstrating his commitment to continuous development and excellence in his craft.

About the author

AHMED UMAR is an interdisciplinary artist and visual auto-biographer. They have lived in Norway since arriving from Sudan in 2008 as a political refugee. Using media including ceramics, jewellery, performance, installation and photography, Umar explores the intersection of cultural traditions, religion and his life story. They graduated from Oslo National Academy of the Arts in 2016 and have since developed an extensive exhibition practice, including works in the 60th Biennale d’Arte di Venezia, Biennale of Sydney, and Toronto Biennale of Art. 

Wala’adin Abdurahaman, 22, photographed at a military hospital in Khartoum. Courtesy of Faiz Abu Bakr


Test of Time: On My Mind To celebrate Foam’s 25th anniversary, Foam Magazine’s latest issue Test of Time invites an artist to [...]
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Test of Time: On My Mind -- Ahmed Umar