Colors as a Language of Survival: When Art Heals the Wounds of War| Sudanow Magazine

Khartoum (Sudanow)

In times of war, losses are not only material; there are invisible wounds that settle deep within the human psyche. Many survivors of conflict struggle to describe what they have endured, leaving painful experiences trapped in memory and emotion. Here, art emerges as an alternative space for expression—a human language that transcends the limits of words and memory.

In an interview with Sudanow, visual artist and art therapist Amjad Al-Fateh Bashir opens a window into the inner worlds of war survivors. He believes that color, line, and form can become powerful tools for understanding pain, rebuilding psychological balance, and perhaps beginning a journey of individual and collective healing in societies exhausted by conflict.

In a world where crises and conflicts are accelerating, Bashir sees art as something that goes far beyond visual aesthetics—it becomes a means of expression and healing. For this reason, he has devoted a significant part of his professional journey to using creativity as a way to empower people and help them confront the psychological effects of trauma.

Bashir currently serves as the Director of Harf Center for Vocational Rehabilitation and Art Therapy, where he develops programs that use visual arts as a medium for emotional expression and psychological restoration. He holds a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and is currently pursuing a PhD in Art Therapy and its impact on mental health.

His journey with art began at the College of Fine Arts at Sudan University of Science and Technology, where he graduated with distinction in the Painting Department. He later continued his academic path in Egypt, earning a Master’s degree in Mural Design from Alexandria University. Throughout his career, he has combined artistic practice with academic research, while also working in mural design, visual production, and content creation.

A Journey Toward a Global Artistic Presence in Service of Humanity

Amjad’s artistic experience first took shape in Sudan through projects that reflected his interest in public space and community engagement. One of his most notable early works was the mosaic mural he designed for the College of Fine Arts in Khartoum in 2015.

In 2019, he held a solo exhibition at DentoGenic Center, presenting works that reflected Sudanese identity and the humanistic dimensions of art. In January 2025, he also participated in designing and producing the cartoon character “Omdurman, the Superhero” for Azza online magazine, continuing to use art as a tool for expression and empowerment.

Bashir has also held important academic and educational roles in Sudan. He worked as a collaborating lecturer at the Faculty of Arts at Future University, taught mural art at the College of Fine Arts, Sudan University, and served as an art teacher at Samt International Schools in Khartoum, gaining significant experience in nurturing young artistic talent.

He is also recognized as the first Sudanese scholar to obtain a Master’s degree in Mural Art in Sudan’s history from Alexandria University. His academic research laid the foundation for subsequent studies in mural design, establishing him as a pioneering figure in developing this field in Sudan and the Arab world.

His artistic engagement expanded internationally from 2017, through participation in exhibitions and events supporting people of determination and contributions to self-advocacy programs for individuals with Down syndrome between 2019 and 2024.

Among his most notable works is the monumental artwork “Women Are Half of Society” (2021), measuring 3 × 10 meters, symbolizing the role of women in building communities. He has also participated in several international art festivals and presented a collective exhibition titled “The Sudanese Unicorn” in 2025.

Alongside his artistic production, Bashir has contributed to education and community development by offering workshops on the fundamentals of drawing and painting for youth, and by participating in community and artistic initiatives supporting people of determination, emphasizing that art is a universal language capable of building bridges between creativity and development.

When Pain Turns into Color

Bashir believes that art creates a safe space for expressing emotions that are difficult to articulate in words. Many victims of war find themselves unable to narrate their painful experiences, yet they express them through colors, lines, and visual symbols.

In such cases, artistic work becomes a form of alternative language—one that transforms silent pain into an image that can be observed, reflected upon, and understood. When complex emotions take visual form, individuals gain an opportunity to revisit them and process them with greater calm and awareness.

Through his work with people who have endured traumatic experiences, Bashir observed that the art they create often carries profound emotional energy. Their works may feature tense lines, sharp color contrasts, or symbols associated with loss and the search for safety. These elements are not merely aesthetic choices; they reflect layers of lived experience that cannot be easily imitated or fabricated.

Yet Bashir stresses that art cannot change the past or erase painful experiences. What it can do is help individuals rebuild their relationship with themselves and with the world around them. When a person creates a piece of art, they often feel that they are reclaiming a measure of control over their life—an important step toward restoring psychological safety.

Murals… A Visual Memory for Society

The impact of art extends beyond personal healing; it can also serve as a social safety valve and an emotional bond that unites fragmented communities. When art moves into public space—particularly through murals—it becomes more than paint on a wall; it transforms into a living visual memory that narrates the collective story of society, capturing both triumphs and hardships.

Bashir views murals as symbolic spaces through which communities participate in shaping their historical narrative. When people see their faces, pain, and dreams reflected on the walls of their cities, a process of psychological reclamation begins. Their voices—once silenced by conflict—find expression again, and a renewed sense of agency emerges.

In Bashir’s view, murals represent a sincere language of communication between peoples. They allow communities to transform their open wounds into visual icons that inspire future generations and affirm that rebuilding begins by replacing pain with hope.

Omdurman: The Spirit That Shaped the Artist

Amjad’s artistic path was not accidental; it grew out of a culturally rich environment that deeply influenced his worldview. He believes that an artist’s early surroundings often shape their visual language—the colors, symbols, and themes that appear in their work.

For Bashir, the city of Omdurman was the first and most profound source of inspiration. With its cultural diversity, rich history, and vibrant human life, the city left a clear imprint on his artistic language, particularly in the warmth of his colors and the central presence of the human figure in his works.

Between Creativity and Therapy: Art Is Half Science, Half Spirit

Family also played an important role in shaping Bashir’s artistic vision. He learned from his aunt, a visual artist, that art is a way of understanding life and navigating its contradictions. She often reminded him that a good painting is not merely one that appears beautiful, but one that carries genuine human truth.

Professionally, Bashir strives to balance the practice of art as a space for personal creativity with its use as a therapeutic tool. While artists often express their own experiences, art therapists help others express theirs.

In his academic research, Bashir focuses on a central question: How can art transform internal conflicts and complex emotions into a means of achieving psychological balance and connection with others? He believes the answer lies in combining artistic practice with scientific research.

This is why measuring the impact of art on mental health is essential. Using scientific tools—such as psychological assessments that compare emotional states before and after art therapy sessions—researchers can track changes in levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional expression.

Art therapy, Bashir explains, lies at the intersection of psychology and artistic creativity, blending aesthetic sensitivity with scientific understanding of human behavior.

A Message to the Next Generation of Artists

Despite the global growth of art therapy as a field, Bashir believes that the Arab world still needs more academic programs and research to establish it as a recognized discipline within mental health and education.

In his message to young Sudanese artists, he emphasizes that talent alone is not enough to become a true artist. The journey requires patience, discipline, and a constant willingness to learn and experiment.

Art, at its core, is a continuous journey of discovering the self and the world. Within that journey lies the secret that allows color and line to become tools for understanding the human soul—and perhaps for healing its wounds.

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