An epic journey through North and South Sudan
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Claude Iverné/Elnour
Claude Inverné has been shooting in the Sudan for nearly two decades now. Since his first visit back in 1999, the French photographer has been travelling the region extensively, capturing the immense economic, cultural and environmental changes of both the north and the south.
The resulting body of work, known as Bilad es Sudan, is now on display at New York’s Aperture Gallery. Described as a “Sudanese epic”, the project can be categorised into three groups. The first, shot in black and white, focuses on his travels through North Sudan. The second, shot in colour, shifts to his visit to the South.
Claude Iverné, Ahmad Ali Abdulgari, Bergo people, Asylum seeker, Trégastel, Dec. 2016
Claude Iverné, Mnaïma Adjak, Shénabla People, Awasma Clan, Dar Jawama, North Kordofan, Aug. 2001
The third and final stage looks at the plight of Sudanese refugees – specifically those attempting to flee to France. Iverné joined them on the journey, documenting their travels from “the nomadic tents and deserts of Sudan to the outskirts of French cities.”
The exhibition was first shown at the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson, with Iverné securing the Henri Cartier-Bresson Award in 2015. It will now run at the Aperture Gallery until November 9th, along with a book to accompany the exhibition (Claude Iverné – Bilad es Sudan, published by Éditions Xavier Barral).
Claude Iverné, Remains of a cafeteria, Jardin du 6 avril, Khartoum, June 2001
Claude Iverné, Pyramid, Meroitic Period, Jebel Barkal, Dar Cheiguir, Nubia, Jan. 2004
Claude Iverné, Street scene, Juba, Dec. 2015
Claude Iverné, Ahmed Abdulah Ahmed, Jawama People,
Tidjamé Clan, Peasant, Gum arabic harvest, Edlbacha el Galab, Um Badr, North Darfur, Jan. 2002
Claude Iverné, Simulacrum, Guy Roger Janda, High school student, French, Évry, Dec. 2016
Claude Iverné, Secondary School, Seventh Day Adventist School, Hai Kuwait District, Juba, Dec. 2015
Claude Iverné, House of Fayçal Mohamed Jaber, Tribe Nouba Miri, « Mayo » Camp for displaced Umdurman people, Mandela Extention, Khartoum, Oct. 2005
Claude Iverné, Construction site, Hai Jalaba District, Juba, 2015
Claude Iverné, Naturalised dog, Toshka, Dar Sukkott, Nubia, Feb. 2002. Pas-de-Calais, 2016
Claude Iverné, Apprentice Graduation Ceremony, Saint-Vincentde-Paul Training Centre, Sister Emmanuelle, Lologo District, Juba, Dec. 2015
Claude Iverné: Bilad es Sudan is running at New York’s Aperture Gallery until November 9, 2017
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
“I refuse to accept child poverty is a normal part of our society”: Apsana Begum MP on voting to scrap the cap
After seeking to “enhance” the King’s Speech by voting for the scrapping of the controversial two child benefit cap, the MP for Poplar and Limehouse lost the Labour Whip.
Written by: Apsana Begum
Is skateboarding really a subculture anymore?
With skate’s inclusion in the Olympics, Kyle Beachy asks what it means for the culture around the sport, and whether it’s possible to institutionalise an artform.
Written by: Kyle Beachy
Autism cannot be cured — stop trying
A questionable study into the ‘reversal’ of autism does nothing but reinforce damaging stereotypes and harm, argues autistic author Jodie Hare.
Written by: Jodie Hare
Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence
New photobook ‘Say Less’ is a complex yet humanising look into a life wrecked by gun violence and organised crime.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.
Written by: Miss Rosen