Aqiil Arts: Painting hope amidst Somalia's challenges

Salman Osman Sharif, well known as Aqiil Arts, is a star artist rapidly rising in Mogadishu. At 24, his artistic journey started when he was just at the age of ten, pushed by a huge love for creating art.

Being the eldest in a family of nine, Aqiil started painting on broken walls in 2010 to spread messages of hope and peace in Mogadishu.

Learning through watching videos on YouTube and apprenticing from colleagues, his hard work and dedication paid off when he won an art contest in 2014 at Halane, a heavily guarded area in Mogadishu and home to most embassies, impressing international ambassadors.

Expanding his scope, Aqiil's art earned recognition in London's P21 Gallery among the top five in a contest, representing Somalia in artistic competition.

A piece of the artwork by Salman Osman Sharif.

But it was a profound artwork that showcased a six-year-old Somali girl's story that amassed the attention of many people.

The painting depicted the young girl's dreams of becoming a doctor, and her brother yearning to be a pilot, until one day the girl got ill.

As they rushed her to the hospital, a bomb hit their car, killing her parents on the spot and leaving her brother severely injured and permanently handicapped.

This story depicts how the dreams of many Somalis are ended by one moment of insecurity within Mogadishu and Somalia.

The judges were deeply moved by this artwork, acknowledging its emotional impact and declaring it the best in human rights art.

Salman Osman Sharif showcasing a trophy he won in Nairobi.

"This is when I realised my talent is finally paying off, my hard work is being recognised," he noted.

Aqiil says art isn't just about mixing colours but a way of telling untold stories. He dreams of a world where art unites people and creates understanding.

"I hope one day my art can unite people in my country, I hope this art propels my country in the right direction" Aqil says with a bright face.

Despite being in Nairobi for only two weeks, he aspires to one day open an art school in Eastleigh, nurturing young talents and spreading hope through art, envisioning a brighter life for all the young generations dreaming of being artists.

Aqiil's journey is a symbol of resilience and the immense power of art to give powerful messages. Amid challenges, Aqiil arts convey a message of hope for a united and prosperous Somalia.