The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Artwork by Khaled Hourani

Under the shadow of 75 years of occupation and its devastating impact on Gaza and the West Bank, Palestinian artists are using their creative talents to shed light on their homeland’s untold stories. These artists are crafting their own narratives, revealing the remarkable resilience and unbreakable spirit of the Palestinian people. Let us take you through the world of these artists, exploring how their creative expressions transcend adversity and provide a beacon of hope amidst the struggle against occupation.

 

Hani Zurob

A Palestinian artist living in Paris, Hani Zurob expresses the resilience and humanity of his people through his artwork. His creations delve into profound themes like identity and displacement, connecting deeply with personal experiences and the Palestinian narrative. With a variety of artistic media, Zurob’s work transcends borders, sharing the Palestinian story with the world and offering a universal message of personal identity and hope amidst adversity. In doing so, he becomes a vital contributor to the cultural and human narrative of the Palestinian experience.

To view his artwork, click here.

 

Abdul Rahman Katanani

A contemporary visual artist born in Beirut’s Sabra refugee camp, Katanani draws from his family’s history as third-generation refugees. His journey led him to earn a Fine Arts diploma and an MFA in Palestinian contemporary art. He played a crucial role at Al-Quds TV in Beirut and received artist residencies in Paris. His artwork reflects the Palestinian experience, exploring themes of identity and displacement with deep cultural resonance.

To view his artwork, click here.

 

Laila AlShawa

The late Laila Shawa, a Palestinian artist born in Gaza during the British Mandate era who passed away last year, combined elements of her homeland’s nature, folklore, and architecture to create powerful contemporary artworks that chronicled the Palestinian struggle. Her multi-disciplinary art, including painting, photography, prints, sculptures, and installations, passionately expressed the quest for Palestine’s liberation and the empowerment of Palestinian women.

Sliman Mansour

A celebrated Palestinian artist, Sliman Mansour is known for his powerful artwork that symbolises Palestinian national identity and resilience in the face of military occupation. His formative years in Birzeit, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem profoundly influenced his work, accentuating the gradual loss of Palestinian land. Mansour’s art draws from Palestinian life, culture, history, and tradition, using symbols like orange and olive trees, traditional dresses, and the Palestinian landscape to represent resistance and the longing for a homeland. His work is a poignant expression of Palestinian identity and the dream of return.

To view his artwork, click here.

 

Malak Mattar

Malak Mattar began her art journey at 14, prompted by the destruction caused by the 2014 Gaza War. Witnessing the harsh realities of conflict, including the loss of a neighbour, she found solace in creating art as a means of self-expression. Living in the midst of regular Israeli attacks, she turned to painting to cope with the fear and tension, initially using watercolours. Her dedication led to her mother providing her with more supplies, including acrylics and canvases, to further her artistic endeavours.

To view her artwork, click here.