GradEx 2024

From the outside, Palestinians are often perceived through the lens of hardship and conflict, which is valid and evident at first glance. However, delving deeper into the heart of Palestine reveals a rich fabric of traditions, humble living, love, beauty, and a profound history, alongside the enduring scars of trauma. Our collective experiences over the past 75 years have profoundly shaped our identity, yet we've learned to embrace life in any condition because our existence is crucial.

Within these pages, you'll encounter designs that evoke both calmness and frustration, each intentional in painting a more detailed picture of Palestine's depth. As a Palestinian, I've embarked on a personal journey to define myself, using Arabic and English typography to offer a glimpse into Palestine's essence. These pages serve as an emotional voyage, inviting you to engage and explore freely. There is no prescribed beginning or end; you're encouraged to navigate them in your own way.

Beyond the Surface

six posters

These posters function both collectively and individually, serving to illustrate the struggles of Palestinians. However, they also reflect how Palestinians are often perceived by the public: as distressed, oppressed, and a nation that has endured immense torment. It's crucial to remember that we are humans with inherent beauty. This aspect is symbolized by the book depicted in the display – it represents our hearts, our essence, and who we truly are.

The book doesn't adhere to a traditional beginning; Arabic viewers can start from the right, while English viewers can start from the left. You may even begin midway, offering a fluid and inclusive experience for all.

screams

As Palestinians, our voices are perpetually censored; the words here are obscured, silenced, as if stifled by external forces. Even as we shout out, there are always those seeking to drown us out. This artwork portrays a blend of frustration and cries for justice, encapsulating the ongoing struggle to make our voices heard

This poster represents the scars endured by Palestinians. I deliberately chose an old image from the Al Jazeera archives to illustrate the enduring nature of our wounds. Despite the passage of time, our beautiful traditions persist as we endeavor to heal ourselves and persevere.

Using traditional Palestinian embroidery thread, I stitched a broken image, symbolizing hope and resilience. It signifies our unwavering determination not to surrender, even in the face of adversity. With every stitch, we affirm our existence and our commitment to moving forward

"Liberty Leading a free palestine"

Eugène Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People," the replacement of the French flag with the Palestinian flag gives the artwork a modern and politically charged message. By swapping the national symbol, I symbolically connect the fight for liberty in the original painting with the ongoing quest for freedom and self-determination in Palestine. The inclusion of the Palestinian flag highlights the universal desire for freedom from oppression and injustice, drawing attention to the struggles of the Palestinian people and their fight for statehood, human rights, and an end to occupation. Through this reinterpretation, I invite viewers to reflect on the similarities between historical revolutions and modern fights for freedom and justice, emphasizing the lasting importance of Delacroix's powerful imagery in today's global issues.

‘Aloush

Ali symbolizes all the children in Palestine. I blurred his figure and covered the words with ink to symbolize how these children are disregarded by world leaders, rendering Ali almost like a ghost, as if he doesn't exist. The scratched-out words represent how these children's voices are silenced and their words deemed insignificant.

behind the scenes

A scene from pre-1948 Palestine. Behind her, I personally inscribed a lyric from a Palestinian song, emphasizing her beauty and the deep-rooted traditions of our culture. This deliberate contrast accentuates her importance, shining a spotlight on the enduring elegance and cultural legacy of Palestine.(inspired by Shirin Neshat)

the heart of Palestine

This book is designed to be playful, encouraging readers to explore rather than passively flip through pages filled with images. You're free to mix and match, utilizing transparent images to overlap on other designs. Many have asked why some designs appear loose – it's because you're meant to forge your own journey with this book. You can use a design as a postcard, gift it, hang it elsewhere, or place it on a different page. Just as you're encouraged to explore and craft your own narrative within these pages, the same ethos applies to Palestine. As a Palestinian, I aim for people to delve into Palestinian culture, enjoying it and understanding that there's an abundance to discover and learn.