By Kamel Bouhda
Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Algerian artist Fawaz Jalid has chosen to transform visual art into a humanitarian and national message, turning the walls of schools and buildings into artistic canvases that he volunteers to beautify at a time when commercialism dominates the art scene. Fawaz Jalid, originally from the Sétif province east of the Algerian capital, does not wait for his audience in galleries; instead, he goes to them, becoming a voluntary muralist.
In the mountainous town of Agbal, between the provinces of Tipaza and Ain Defla, the Algerian visual artist showcases his talents by creating vibrant and passionate murals on the walls of the local school. He says, “The flat wall is like a blank canvas for me, and the difference is that my audience here is the passersby in general and the students in particular. Over the past years, I have not only beautified educational institutions but also addressed deteriorating walls, transforming them into visual stories that stimulate imagination and enhance the beauty of the surroundings within cities.”
Fawaz reveals that he has voluntarily decorated the walls of more than 500 educational institutions in Algeria, reflecting his dedication and love for his country and future generations. This massive volunteer work has not gone unnoticed; it has garnered significant media attention, especially on social media platforms, leading to recognition in several provinces. He has painted murals in Constantine, Sétif, Oum El Bouaghi, Jijel, and other eastern cities, as well as in M’sila, Guelma, Tiaret, Ain Temouchent, and many cities in central and southern Algeria.
The initiatives began with Fawaz himself, but as his experience grew, activists in many towns began requesting him to come and create artistic works. He responds quickly and organizes his travels with much love, asking for no compensation except for the provision of paint and some assisting tools, as well as handling administrative arrangements with the responsible authorities.
Instead of leaving the concrete walls cold and silent, Fawaz has succeeded in transforming them into magnificent artistic canvases with his brush. He breathes life into school walls through the paintings he creates, which are full of life, color, and beauty, carrying various values that create an inspiring and beautiful school environment that encourages students to be creative and feel a sense of belonging to their schools. The murals he paints are not just fleeting drawings; they are high-quality artistic works that reflect a high aesthetic sense, turning educational institutions into open art galleries that contribute to educating the community and beautifying its surroundings.
Fawaz explains that his focus on schools stems from his belief that the school environment directly affects a student’s psyche through his drawings, which vary between Algerian landscapes and cartoon characters. He aims to create an inspiring space that brings joy and creativity, rather than cold and silent walls. His experience is characterized by the absence of barriers between the artist and the audience, as students and parents gather around him while he works on a school facade, making the act of painting not just a visual process but a live exhibition of visual art. Fawaz describes these interactions as “the most beautiful rewards of effort.” From Algerian landscapes to historical figures and even educational cartoon drawings, his style shifts between academic and entertaining, considering the age group that will see the work daily.
Despite the enormity of the achievement represented by decorating hundreds of institutions for free, Fawaz reveals another side of the story. He admits that he has faced significant material and logistical difficulties, sometimes purchasing painting materials from his own pocket. However, his determination and belief in the message of art within the social fabric have driven him to continue. He states, “Art is not a luxury; it is a psychological necessity for society, especially for children.”
What Fawaz Jalid does goes beyond merely decorating walls; he redefines the role of the artist in society. An artist who steps out of his private workshop to create beauty in public spaces, offering a bouquet of creativity to future generations within the walls of their schools, despite the significant challenges he faces in traveling from one province to another and responding to all requests. He emphasizes that true art touches people’s lives and makes their world more beautiful.
Many people express their deep appreciation for what Fawaz accomplishes across all provinces of the country. Civil society activist Mohamed Goumedi from the municipality of Agbal in Tipaza province states in an interview that “these works have a profound societal impact. In addition to the artistic value they add to places, they provide a significant aesthetic dimension and sometimes completely change the image of the location. He adds, “Fawaz’s visits to schools create a great activity within them, as his paintings become the talk of teachers and students, and students compete to sit near them after they were once dark corners. Fawaz is an ambassador of joy; in an area that seems isolated like our Agbal region, his paintings send people to another world and instill a sense of hope. The presence of someone who cultivates beauty for free is a precious thing that should be appreciated.”
