Mahmood Zein Elabdin

Mahmood was born in Sudan where civil war has raged for decades. He escaped on foot through the deserts of Sudan, Chad and Libya to Egypt in 1995. He migrated to Australia in 2001.

As Claire Baddeley, curator at the Australian War Memorial, aptly describes, Mahmoud Zein Elabdin’s work is “thought-provoking.” His inclusion in their prestigious collection is a testament to the enduring impact and significance of his art.

Mahmoud Zein Elabdin’s work is a rich tapestry of symbolic meaning, where figuration often takes centre stage, reflecting his past and present experiences. His paintings capture the essence of Sudanese hospitality, where villages, devoid of fences, welcome visitors through inviting gates. This openness mirrors his journey and the inclusivity of his art, inviting viewers into a world that transcends physical and cultural boundaries.

Forced to flee Sudan due to the stringent Islamic laws prohibiting figurative art, Elabdin found refuge in Australia in 2001 under the auspices of the United Nations.

His arrival in Australia marked a new chapter, where his artistic prowess quickly garnered attention.

From his early successes in Khartoum and Cairo, Mahmoud established himself in Melbourne with six solo exhibitions and numerous joint and group shows.

Exhibiting both abroad and locally - his work is in National collections in Australia & abroad