Send message to Author

Paper short abstract

Political and social transformation begins with the ability to imagine alternative realities. This paper examines how artistic expression serves as an act of resistance—reclaiming narrative agency from colonial structures used by colonial powers to maintain ideological dominance.

Paper long abstract

Colonialism extends beyond military conquest and economic subjugation—it is a narrative project that redefines history, culture, and identity to serve the coloniser’s vision . As Frantz Fanon noted, decolonization is not just political but also psychological and cultural, requiring the colonised to restore their own sense of history and self. This paper examines how art serves as an emancipatory tool in postcolonial societies, enabling the colonised to reclaim their voices, reconstruct their histories, and reimagine their futures. The ability to imagine alternatives is the first step toward structural change, making art an indispensable tool in the struggle for decolonisation.

Drawing on examples from film, literature, and visual arts, the paper argues that artistic expression is not merely an aesthetic practice but a profoundly political act—one that fosters civic space, nurtures political imagination, and resists hegemonic control. Whether through metaphor, storytelling, or visual symbolism, art creates an intangible space for dialogue and reflection where citizens can question authority, envision justice, and build solidarity. In postcolonial contexts, this imaginative space becomes a breeding ground for civic engagement and alternative futures, essentially trying to “catch smoke” – making tangible the otherwise intangible aspirations for freedom and dignity.

In sum, this study contributes to the discourse on cultural resistance by demonstrating how decolonial artistic practices challenge dominant narratives and inspire new political possibilities. It invites scholars, artists, and activists to consider how their work can function as an intervention in the ongoing struggle for representation, justice, and autonomy in postcolonial societies.