Sahr Martin Kabba is archiving Sierra Leone’s vibrant art scene

Train to Sierra Leone is an online platform dedicated to showcasing Sierra Leone’s art, history and culture. By connecting West African creatives and forming an archive of artworks, the initiative aims to “showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Sierra Leone through various artistic mediums, including short documentaries highlighting the nation’s history, local artists, street life, cuisine, lifestyle, and more”.

Shaping the platform’s identity with his colourful cut-and-paste style, the archivist, and graphic designer Sahr Martin Kabba brings together “past and present lifestyles” of the people of Sierra Leone together in his vibrant image making. Based in Freetown, the country’s capital, the project stemmed from the designer’s “deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions” of his home, he explains. With the desire to “preserve and celebrate the extraordinary works of potential creatives in Sierra Leone on both local and global scales” the platform was made to provide a way for others to support and promote local talent and share an interest in the diverse art scene. “The audience may include art enthusiasts, historians, cultural preservationists, creatives looking for inspiration or collaboration opportunities, as well as individuals interested in learning more about Sierra Leone,” Sahr says.

The designer’s rich collages are created from in-depth research into Sierra Leone’s history, through a gathering of local archival material surrounding upcoming themes the platform plans to explore. “We also often look to old vintage designs for inspiration,” Sahr says, with the platform’s visual identity harking back to the past, becoming a larger collage of Sierra Leone’s cultural history whilst tracing paths to the present. When talking about his unique design approach, Sahr says: “Design has always been my passion [...] I tend to imagine a lot and speak less; I visualise things I see, hear, touch, or smell in every sentence I read or write. Design serves as a form of therapy for me, and creating designs grants me the freedom of speech. It allows me to convey unspeakable sentences and creates space for more ideas.”

Looking to the future, Sahr hopes that the Train to Sierra Leone will continue to grow and expand, with more events, exhibitions, workshops and collaborations that “amplify the voices of local artists”. Additionally, the collective hopes that the platform will inspire other similar initiatives in different regions across Africa and beyond, Sahr explains. “By demonstrating the power of art and culture in fostering community engagement and social change, the project can serve as a model for promoting creativity, diversity, and inclusivity in various contexts.”