‘Artists write history through their artworks’

AMMAN — “Testimonials of Our Existence” is the apt name of an exhibition showcasing 58 Palestinian artists’ works, proof that art and talent are universal, and Gazans are no exception.

On display at Zara Centre, over 200 artworks introduce the public to “the art of Gaza and talent of Gazans”, said Dina Abu Ghazaleh, the organiser of the exhibition.

“Their works are really unique and they have great talent, so I wanted to further promote these great works,” she told The Jordan Times at the opening ceremony last week.

Shareef Sarhan, one of the only two artists able to attend the opening ceremony, found the possibility of exhibiting his works in Amman “important for both the artists and Gaza, because this kind of event shows that Gaza does have many talented artists”.

Abu Ghazaleh came to know about these artists through social media networks and during a recent visit to Ramallah.

“I organised an exhibition dubbed ‘Traces’ in Ramallah in February, where I met a number of these artists and I really liked their work,” she said.

“Artists write history through their artworks,” Abu Ghazaleh added, reinforcing Sarhan’s belief that art is “part of resistance”.

“This is a message to the world that Gaza has life and art,” he said. 

“Artists in Gaza face hardships, like difficulty promoting their works, but this does not hinder their creativity. They are determined to be productive and do their best to produce good art,” Sarhan added.

The ugliness of the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip is metamorphosed into beautiful, creative works by the artists.

Mohammed Hawajri, who has four paintings on display at Zara, said artistic life in Gaza is important despite the abject conditions they face.

“The unique thing about the art scene in Gaza is that most artists are young people. Each artist likes to illustrate his own life through these artworks,” he added.

The Institut Français in Gaza and Jerusalem helped, facilitating the transport of the artworks to Amman.

The exhibition runs until December 22. All the proceeds go towards the artists themselves.