Khalid Kodi

A trailblazer in Participatory Art, Khalid Kodi utilizes visual language as a powerful tool for addressing pressing social issues and fostering communication. His canvas becomes a stage for dialogue, particularly bridging gaps between communities in conflict and individuals who may not be literate. Through art, Kodi constructs a platform that amplifies discussions on identity, encompassing racial, gender, socio-economic, and other dimensions of difference. The essence of his work lies in promoting coexistence, justice, and peace.  

Biography of Khalid Kodi

Khalid Kodi's artistic journey extends beyond the realm of art; he stands as an educator, a public intellectual, and a cultural critic, making profound impacts in multiple spheres. Immigrating to the US opened doors for him to explore and engage with diverse communities, sparking a commitment to fostering understanding through his creative endeavors.

In 1987, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Sudan University (formerly Khartoum Polytechnic) College of Fine & Applied Art. In 1993, he obtained a MFA from Massachusetts College of Art, Boston.

Following the completion of an MFA, Kodi has shared his expertise as a teacher at Boston College, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and Brown University. He has also taken up distinguished visiting positions at various institutions. During the summer of 2013, he served as the inaugural visiting summer faculty and artist-in-residence at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, contributing to the development of the painting curriculum for the Art Department’s Summer program.

Kodi spearheaded various initiatives, including "Flags and Banners as Voices," an extensive ongoing project implemented in the US, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan. This project extended to areas with communities facing risks. Additionally, he has consistently contributed to the Violence Transformed initiative in Boston. In 2011, Kodi founded the Artist Movement to Engage Nonviolence (AMEN) at Boston College.