Blue in travel – Mahmoud Elmardi

Critical analysis of the work “Blue in Travel” 

“Blue in Travel” by Sudanese artist Mahmoud Elmardi is a painting rich in detail and color, demonstrating a deep exploration of abstraction and architectural imagery. Elmardi, born in 1988 in Khartoum, has developed a unique artistic approach, influenced by his diverse Sudanese environment and his experiences in different professional fields such as screen printing and graphic design.

In this painting, Elmardi uses a palette dominated by varying blue tones, creating an atmosphere of calm and reflection, while adding pops of contrasting colors like green, yellow and pink to draw the eye and evoke a feeling of movement and vitality. The geometric shapes and rectilinear lines are reminiscent of architectural elements, perhaps inspired by the town of Bahri, known for its blend of modernity and tradition. The multiple interlocking rectangular frames appear to represent windows or doors, inviting the viewer to imagine what lies beyond or to consider interior and exterior journeys.

The bold use of texture and thickness of paint in this work adds a tactile, almost sculptural dimension that enhances the strength of the work and engages the viewer in a more direct way. This textural quality could reflect the depth of feelings and personal experiences that the artist incorporates into his work. The artist, as a novelist, often weaves complex and psychological narratives into his literary works, and he does the same here through the visual arts.