Painting Truth Through ADHD
Khairul Anwar Bin Fazlur Rahman—who also goes by Khaitama D. Sun—is an artist, creator, and thinker whose ADHD traits have shaped his way of seeing the world. His journey weaves together creativity, spirituality, and resilience. Through his unique art form, Playnting, he has found ways to channel his energy and express the truths he sees in both himself and others
Quotes
“ADHD is not something I resist. It is part of my identity, my way of being, and the source of the creativity and insight I bring to the world.”
“I no longer seek to erase ADHD traits but to work with them, creating harmony within myself. Progress may be slow, but it is still progress.”
Early Life and Awareness
From a young age, I sensed connections everywhere—between objects, people, and the world around me. I kept quiet about it, afraid others would not understand. In school, I invented games where I was the player, the opponent, and the observer all at once.
Between ages 10 and 17, I lived in Qatar, surrounded by over 90 nationalities. I was accepted by all yet felt I belonged to none. I had many friends, but loneliness lingered, along with frustration. I was angry that others didn’t see what I saw and angry at myself for not being able to express it.
To fill the void, I immersed myself in parkour, drumming, painting, sports, and video games. I excelled in school, topped subjects, and contributed fresh ideas in class. Yet academic success brought little satisfaction. For all that I understood, I still couldn’t fully understand myself. Life felt like wandering through a forest without a map—frustrating but filled with discovery.
Turning Points
A major shift came in 2021, when I was hospitalised with Guillain–Barré syndrome. The pain and recovery brought emotional strain, and I sought psychological support. Medication dulled my creativity, so I turned instead to art as therapy.
Creating gave me language. As I read about ADHD and other conditions, the descriptions resonated with me deeply. It was like finally being able to name parts of my experience. Yet with awareness came new challenges. Labelling myself sometimes led to isolation and a victim mindset. I lost people close to me. At times, I wondered if ignorance might have been easier. But once the truth revealed itself, I had no choice but to accept it.
Faith has anchored me. When I felt alone, I experienced what I believe was God reminding me I was made this way for a reason—to carry fragments of others within me, to be many yet one. My inner world mirrors the outer world. That conviction helped me begin the process of reconnection—with the world around me and with myself.
Strengths and Creativity
Creativity, spontaneity, empathy, and energy are my greatest gifts. In 2016, I developed Playnting—a blend of playing and painting, a somatic art form where energy and emotion take visual shape by following rhythm.
Playnting bridges misunderstandings. One person might shout in anger; another might paint in red and tear the page. Both expressions are valid. Playnting gives form to feelings that are hard to explain in words. It is my language of truth. I believe and stand for the rhythm within us all. In unity – not in opposition. Because I believe in uniting the world through the rhythm of art.
Living with ADHD
To stay grounded, I rely on meditation, breathwork, stretching, and creative acts—drawing, painting, drumming, writing. These practices channel my energy constructively and bring me balance. Reading widely, especially spiritual and cultural texts, feeds my curiosity and deepens my sense of connection.
I no longer seek to erase ADHD traits but to work with them, creating harmony within myself. Progress may be slow, but it is still progress.
Advice to My Younger Self
Never lose sight of who you are, even if the world tells you otherwise. You’re not weird. You’re not broken. You are exactly who you’re meant to be. Trust that inner voice—it has never been wrong.
For who I am, is who You are. That is who We are. Is us.
Where I am Currently
In 2024, I met Moonlake Lee of Unlocking ADHD at an ADHD-inspired book launch. She welcomed me to visit her office, where I shared a Playnting piece and felt a warm reception.
In 2025, I co-started a rock band called EMRĒ, facilitated an interfaith art experience and will finally be launching my first Playnting solo-exhibition called The Rhythm of Faith. It is a showcase of 10 artworks representing 10 faiths to celebrate their unique yet uniting rhythms in a multi-sensory experience. All possible because of ADHD employed creatively. There is much benefit in the differences in who we are and all I ask is for you to embrace who you are, in all you are.
ADHD is not something I resist. It is part of my identity, my way of being, and the source of the creativity and insight I bring to the world.
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