Omar Rising

Throughout the novel, Saeed repeatedly illustrates the power of art as a tool for social activism and self-expression. Art as a social statement is the focus of Mr. Adeel’s class; he explains that artists “work in response to the times they live in” (32) and strive to create an emotional response in viewers. Due to this, he maintains that “art is a great way to shed light on important social issues” (32), and Omar takes his words to heart and uses his own artistic interpretations of Shehzil Malik’s work to protest the inequalities at school. As a real-life artist who provided the cover art for both Amal Unbound and Omar Rising, Malik herself is widely known for promoting themes of social justice. Her works give visibility to culturally marginalized populations, raise awareness of discrimination and prejudice, and energize people to enact positive changes in their communities. Aiden’s use of Shehzil Malik’s phrase “Step Out” on their posters also shows the power of art as a form of protest.

Omar has powerful responses to different works of art during his time at Ghalib. The mural featuring the boy and telescope is more than “just a pretty painting” (97) to Omar, for it gives him hope and encouragement. The mural symbolizes Omar’s dreams for his future—getting an education and becoming an astronomer. The image fortifies Omar’s belief in himself, making him feel that he can succeed. When the mural is first painted over, Omar is devastated at the loss, and the obscuration of the mural symbolically coincides with his increasing loss of confidence. In his mind, the loss of the mural is like the loss of the “ghost boys,” thus representing Omar’s worst fears. As Omar helps Faisal to prepare the wall for a new mural, he is again encouraged, feeling that he is working to make “something new—maybe better” (163). This feeling matches Omar’s rebuilt confidence after he begins to succeed in English, preparing for new possibilities and opportunities. The new mural, representing the equity and unity of the Ghalib students, reflects Omar’s own sense of community and shows the power of protest. The new mural becomes a powerful form of resistance, a message to all who see it that Ghalib’s discriminatory rules need to change. As Moiz looks on, Omar helps to paint the yellow sun on the mural. Traditionally, the sun represents wisdom, truth, divinity, heroism, positivity, and clarity: all characteristics that are antithetical to negativity and discrimination.

Similarly, Omar’s collage of the solar system represents his hopes and dreams and serves as an individual form of protest. It reflects Omar’s interest in astronomy, while his focus on Pluto captures Omar’s feelings of inequality within the school system. Like Shehzil Malik’s work and words continue to advocate, Omar shows his determination to succeed despite the unfairness that tries to hold him back. As he learns how art speaks to people, he uses his own artistic expression to illustrate his dreams and call out injustice.