Unvaling kafouri
A Time Capsule of Khartoum

"Kafouri: A Time Capsule of Khartoum" was an art project developed during the Decaying Bank: Reproducing Khartoum Visually artistic residency a research-driven initiative that investigated the layered urban, social, and political fabric of Khartoum, Sudan’s capital. Grounded in critical engagement and theoretical inquiry, the project sought to challenge dominant visual representations of the city and explore alternative narratives through artistic intervention. 

At its heart, The Time Capsule attempted to reconstruct and reimagine the cityscape of Khartoum, sparking reflection on its historical memory, shifting identities, and complex socio-political dynamics. Centered around the neighborhood of Kafouri, the work peeled back the layers of this often-overlooked enclave, tracing the impacts of events such as the 1969 military coup and mapping the subtle tensions and solidarities that shaped its diverse community.

By highlighting the coexistence of different social classes and ethnicities within Kafouri, the project challenged prevailing stereotypes and invited viewers to reconsider how space, history, and power intersect. Through photography, text, and experimental visual storytelling, The Time Capsule transformed the familiar into something newly seen—offering an open invitation to reimagine Khartoum beyond the limits of dominant narratives. 

As part of the larger Decaying Bank platform, this project used art as a means of historical recovery and cultural reflection. It offered an intimate yet critical lens on Khartoum’s evolving identity, affirmed the city’s resilience and complexity, and carved space for voices often left out of the frame.