A Somali Visual Artist Making an Impact Through a Brush and Palette

Maslah resting on his palette

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — Visual arts are making a comeback in Mogadishu, where the civil war affected artistic flourishing in the capital city of Somalia. Maslah Abdi Dahir is a young Somali visual artist whose work has been displayed at several galleries in Mogadishu.

The painting of a man listening to a transistor radio to follow the news on local FM radio stations or the BBC Somali Service or VOA Somali Service before smartphones have become fashionable. (Painting by @maslahart)

His art reflects both the pre-Internet and social media eras in a country recovering from civil war. Maslah began painting 15 years ago and has witnessed tumultuous times in Mogadishu, with his works of art promoting positive changes. The painting of a man listening to a transistor radio reminds many people of the days when neither a laptop nor a smartphone was the medium to follow the news on local FM radio stations or the BBC Somali Service or VOA Somali Service.

“I have a gallery known as Maslah Arts in Mogadishu, where I display my art. I am improving my artistic skills every day” Maslah said.

© Puntland Post, 2024