Kamal Abdulmonem: Sudanese documentary photographer turning personal displacement into stories of home

Kamal Abdulmonem is a Sudanese documentary photographer whose work examines displacement, memory, and the ways people rebuild everyday life after conflict.

His interest in photography began in childhood, encouraged by his father, who documented family life and taught him the importance of preserving everyday moments. After completing his studies in Turkey, Kamal returned to Sudan, where he continued moving between cities for work.

When war broke out in Sudan, displacement became an unavoidable part of his life. His journey through Sudan and later South Sudan shaped his understanding of migration, belonging, and home. These experiences became central to Temporary Cities, a long-term photography project developed with support from Through The Lens Collective (TTLC).

How did you get started in photography?

I developed a love for photography at a young age, encouraged by my father. He was the family photographer and a constant source of inspiration. He always emphasised the importance of documenting the moments of our lives.

How would you describe yourself?

I have often spoken about the temporary cities left in the wake of war. After reflecting on the details of my project, I realised something deeper: even before the war began, I was myself that temporary being, unacquainted with the permanence of place.

After finishing my studies in Turkey and returning to Sudan, I thought I had finally found stability. Yet I continued moving from one city to another because of work. My journey of constant movement had begun long before the war imposed it upon me.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

I photograph people and the places they call home. I know what it means to live in different places and make them home, so displacement, identity, and memory are part of my own life.

I am drawn to everyday moments that usually go unnoticed. I care about human rights, women's rights, and freedom of belief and expression, and these concerns shape how I see the world.

I also want to enjoy the human experience while I am still alive, to keep learning and speaking about myself, my people, and us.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

Developing my project Temporary Cities.

After leaving Khartoum because of the war, I found myself moving through different places, experiencing uncertainty, displacement, and the search for a new sense of belonging. Through this project, I transformed a personal experience into a visual story about people, places, and the meaning of home.

Being selected by Through The Lens Collective (TTLC) to develop the work was an important milestone. It allowed me to share my perspective and continue growing as a documentary photographer.

The recognition was meaningful. Developing the project also helped me understand how photography could communicate personal experiences and connect with others.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

Developing my work with limited resources and without formal photography education. After leaving Khartoum because of the war, continuing to create photographs amid uncertainty became even more difficult.

These experiences taught me patience, observation, and the importance of finding meaning in everyday life. I have continued learning, practising, and developing my own approach to photography.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I specialise in documentary photography. Long-term projects about people and their experiences precisely. Photography allows me to express what I feel and explore the subjects I want to share with others.

I continue developing my practice through online workshops, independent learning, and exchanging knowledge with other photographers working in the field.

What is your primary commercial niche?

Documentary photography and projects focused on people, their environments, and their experiences. I am interested in creating photographs for organisations, cultural projects, and brands working with human-centred subjects.

What is your unique technical or visual approach?

I pay attention to quiet moments, human emotions, and the relationship between people and their environments. I work with natural light, simple compositions, and small details that help communicate what is happening within a scene. I want my photographs to feel honest to the people and experiences they represent.

Which global brands, photographers, or industries do you feel your work aligns with most?

I feel connected to documentary photographers whose work examines human experiences, identity, and people's relationships with their environments. I am inspired by photographers such as Sebastião Salgado and Alex Webb, as well as work published through Magnum Photos and National Geographic.

How is the photography and art scene in Sudan?

In Sudan, there is very little direct official support for photographers. Some organisations and embassies run programmes for Sudanese photographers, although these opportunities remain insufficient.

I believe Sudan holds many stories that deserve attention. Photographers across the country have been finding their own ways to develop their careers and share their work.

What do you think of the 54Ruum platform?

I see 54Ruum as an important platform for connecting African photographers, sharing different perspectives, and creating opportunities for emerging image-makers. I appreciate its focus on building a community where photographers can share their work, receive support, and connect with wider audiences.