Creative Transformation as a Healing Process: From Literature to Abstract Art

While living in Palestine, Duaa Kamel’s literary career included poetry and short stories reflecting the daily experiences of living in the context of external pressures, such as the patriarchy, war, and struggle for survival.

In 2021, Kamel arrived in Uddevalla, Sweden, where she became the city’s second ICORN resident. Since then, Duaa has made an artistic shift from literature to art while hoping that one day she will find the inspiration to write again. In the interview below, she told us more about this creative transformation:

ICORN: You have said that you have largely stopped writing since coming to Sweden- how did the writing process and your feelings about writing change over time?

Duaa Kamel: My relocation to Sweden brought about substantial changes and challenges, significantly affecting my writing journey. The initial pressure to write in this new environment, coupled with the demands of adapting to a different language and lifestyle, has undeniably contributed to moments of stress and occasional depression. Common external factors, such as adjusting to a new culture and managing daily responsibilities, have influenced my creative process. As I navigate these changes, I'm recognizing the importance of affording myself the time and space to adapt organically to my new surroundings. Approaching writing with patience and a dedicated focus on my personal well-being, I anticipate a transformation into a more enjoyable and natural creative process.

ICORN: In your writing, you have focused on themes such as the patriarchy, war, and the struggle for survival, especially in Gaza and Palestine, more generally. How have the issues you address changed in your art compared to writing?

Duaa Kamel: In my earlier experiences in Palestine, my writing focused on the impact of external conflicts like the patriarchy, war, and survival struggles. However, having moved away from direct exposure to these issues, my artistic focus has shifted. Currently, I find resonance in painting as a medium, allowing me to delve into the nuances of my personal journey, trauma, and the healing process. This shift has brought a new dimension to my creative expression, capturing the essence of daily life and intimate struggles, reflecting the current stage of my life's journey.

ICORN: You have previously described suffering as a kind of fuel for your writing in Palestine. Having switched art forms to painting and Palestine for Sweden, what fuels you now in this more stable environment?

Duaa Kamel: In my artistic journey, I've undergone a transformative shift, moving from writing about the complexities of suffering in Palestine to embracing the world of abstract painting, material experimentation, and jewellery making in the serene setting of Sweden. This creative evolution has become a deeply therapeutic and inspiring process for me, driven by the exploration of unconscious and ever-evolving expressions. Notably, faces have emerged as a recurring motif in my abstract paintings, taking on an intuitive and surprising life of their own. This ongoing exploration introduces an exciting element of spontaneity and mystery, encapsulating the intricate interplay between my emotions and the artistic narrative that unfolds across these diverse and fulfilling creative pursuits.

ICORN: What are your future creative plans- are you working on anything now?

Duaa Kamel: I already published my first book in the Swedish language, I am now embarking on a second project—creating a book dedicated to showcasing vibrant paintings inspired by those verses. This two-book endeavour allows readers to explore the depth of my creative expression, immersing themselves in both the written and visual dimensions of my artistic journey.

During the Folk och Kultur cultural policy convention, Duaa Kamel, together with artist Abdalla Basher, will take part in the event ‘Art and Freedom Without Borders’. The event will be held in Eskilstuna, Sweden between 7th and 10th February 2024