Born in Omdurman, Sudan, Ibrahim El-Salahi studied at the School of Design at Gordon Memorial College in Khartoum before continuing his education at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. His early career was marked by his role as a diplomat and public servant, which informed his global perspective and eventual emergence as a central figure in the Khartoum School, a movement that sought to define a distinct Sudanese aesthetic.

His work is defined by the Hurufiyya movement, which creatively synthesizes traditional Arabic calligraphy with contemporary painting techniques. His practice often features intricate, organic forms and a muted, earthy palette that reflects his deep engagement with both his Sudanese heritage and his experiences living in various international contexts.

El-Salahi continues to receive significant institutional recognition for his contributions to 20th-century art. His work remains a subject of major international surveys, including his inclusion in the 2026 New Humans: Memories of the Future exhibition at the New Museum in New York, which highlights his enduring influence on the trajectory of global contemporary art.