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Arab News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
India's biggest Palestine art exhibition exposes life under Israeli occupation
NEW DELHI: From paintings and photographs to graffiti and posters, one of India's biggest-ever showcases of Palestine-related art is now on view in central New Delhi, featuring works by Indian and Palestinian artists that highlight life under Israeli occupation. 'The Body Called Palestine' exhibition at Jawahar Bhawan — next to key government institutions —is a month-long show that will run until May 31. Organized by the art collective Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust, it features 140 works focusing on themes of resistance, identity and solidarity with Palestine. Some 40 of the contributing artists are Palestinians, 30 are Indians, and others come from places such as the US, Poland, Egypt and Sweden. ''The Body Called Palestine'' is the largest-ever exhibition in India on Palestine,' Amit Mukhopadhyay, the art historian who curated the show, told Arab News. '(It is) the largest in terms of size, in terms of the number of works, in terms of the number of artists.' Among the displayed works is 'Searching for Life' by Sliman Mansour, a leading figure among contemporary Palestinian artists. Painted in 2024, it shows three women carefully brushing through the rubble. They are surrounded by destruction and fire in the background — evoking the Gaza Strip, where in the past 19 months Israeli forces have killed tens of thousands of people and reduced much of the region's cities to rubble. 'The Wave,' by sculptor Abdul Rahman Katanani, is a 3-meter-high wave made from barbed wire, representing the Gaza Sea. 'Homes for The Disembodied,' an installation by Mary Tuma, shows five flowing black dresses made from one piece of chiffon — a memorial to the Palestinians displaced from Jerusalem who were unable to return to their homes before their death. 'Palestinian artists display the violence of life under occupation and subjugatory difference. The nostalgia and the desire to return to their homeland, the human emotions of alienation, loss, grief, anger, all are reflected in their artistic language and practice,' Mukhopadhyay says in his curator's note for the exhibition. 'This expression and language of art may not be similar to any previously existing language system of the world.' Many of the participating Palestinian artists were only able to submit their work digitally. 'Their houses and their residential areas and their villages are constantly being bombed ... It was impossible for them to send their physical works to us,' trust member Suhail Hashmi told Arab News. It did not deter the organizers from displaying them. SAHMAT has prepared huge printouts to present them properly and include as many voices as possible. 'The world has to know, and people in India have to know, the great injustice that is being done to the Palestinian people — how barbaric this continuous, ongoing onslaught on unarmed people is,' Hashmi said. 'When we were fighting for our freedom, people all over the world supported our struggle. It is important for us to support anybody, anywhere in the world, fighting for freedom and the right to live peacefully. And the more people know what is going on, there will be at least some reaction.' Vijendra Vij, an Indian artist who has contributed to the exhibition, based his work on the Palestinian poetry of Taha Muhammad Ali, Khaled Juma, Ghassan Zaqtan and others who have been translated into Hindi. 'When I read the poetry of all these poets, they recall the people, places and experience of left-behind homes, trees, fruits, flowers, the earth, the sea, the sky, colors and scents. Even after decades of hard work and attainment of comfort and professional success, the enduring connection to Palestine remains unbroken. That is behind the inspiration of (my) work,' he said. The works have generally received emotional responses, with fear and anger followed by thoughtful observation. 'If you look at some of the works that are quite graphic, you see a bit of fear, you fear for yourself, and you also feel extremely despondent about how people are actually going through those situations,' said Saurabh Wasan, an art manager in Delhi. 'Exhibitions like this are very important and very much needed ... in whatever small way, we're kind of keeping their voices going. Their voices are still being heard.'
What's On
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 Palestinian brands & UAE businesses supporting Palestine
Rooted in love, crafted for change… From the heart of Palestine, shop unique, handcrafted pieces and Palestinian brands that help local artisans thrive. Or, support UAE and international brands that donate proceeds to support Palestinian communities. Either way, your purchase makes a difference. Here are 8 Palestinian brands & UAE businesses supporting Palestine in 2025. From Palestine, with love Sliman Mansour Sliman Mansour is one of Palestine's most celebrated artists, known for his powerful and striking works that reflect Palestinian culture and history. His art, often featuring themes of land, identity, and history, has played a crucial role in shaping the Palestinian visual art movement. Mansour's unique approach and dedication to his craft have earned him recognition both locally and internationally, earning him recognition worldwide for his distinctive approach and deep connection to his roots. Nol Collective Nol Collective brings Palestinian craftsmanship to the forefront by working directly with local women's cooperatives, family-run sewing workshops, and artisans across the West Bank and Gaza. From the hills of Jerusalem to the streets of Ramallah and Bethlehem, they support traditional techniques like tatreez (hand embroidery) and handwoven Majdalawi fabric. This partnership ensures that each creation not only tells a story of Palestinian heritage but also empowers local artisans. The collective's designs celebrate the beauty of slow fashion, using time-honoured methods that have been passed down through generations. Canaan Palestine Canaan Palestine focuses on sustainable farming and the preservation of Palestine's unique ecosystems by collaborating with like-minded companies. Their network of local farmers cultivates a diverse range of crops, from olives and almonds to thyme, oregano, and carob, all harvested with care for the environment. Canaan's products, including olive oil, wheat, and Za'atar, showcase the rich biodiversity of the region while promoting sustainable practices. By supporting local farmers, Canaan ensures that the flavours and ingredients of Palestine are not only preserved but also shared with the world. Hirbawi For decades, the Hirbawi factory has been the heart of authentic Kufiya production since 1961, weaving this iconic symbol of Palestinian identity with precision and care. Once worn by farmers, the Kufiya has evolved into a powerful emblem of Palestinian pride and heritage. Now worn globally as a symbol of solidarity with Palestine, each piece from Hirbawi not only supports local artisans but also helps preserve a craft passed down through generations. More than just a garment, the Kufiya makes a powerful statement of heritage, resistance, and style, adding depth to any outfit. Darzah Darzah is a non-profit fashion brand that celebrates Palestinian craftsmanship through its collection of handmade products. At the core of their creations is tatreez, a traditional embroidery technique passed down by generations of Palestinian women. Darzah works to empower women in the West Bank by offering fair wages, skill-building opportunities, and training in the art of embroidery. The brand collaborates with local artisans in Al-Khalil to produce 100% handmade shoes, bags, and apparel, using locally sourced leather from family-run businesses. By purchasing from Darzah, you're supporting both the preservation of Palestinian heritage and the empowerment of local communities. Made in the UAE, for Palestine The Giving Movement Dubai-born and purpose-driven, The Giving Movement proves that fashion can be a force for good. This homegrown brand blends streetwear with sustainability, creating locally sourced apparel that gives back. A portion of every purchase goes toward humanitarian causes, including vital aid for Palestine. So, whether you're rocking their oversized hoodies or breathable activewear, you're wearing impact. Mishkah This stunning, cosy Palestinian-owned café in Al Quoz brings a taste of home to Dubai (literally). Mishkah does more than serve specialty teas, coffees, and desserts – it's also a go-to spot for high-quality Palestinian olive oil, herbs, and other Levant products. The café sources its olive oil straight from Palestinian groves, offering a refill station where you can stock up while enjoying specialty coffee and desserts. You're not just getting top quality olive oil – you're also directly supporting Palestinian farmers. Global support for Palestine Wear the Peace Wear the Peace is all about making a difference through giving back, offering a collection of tees, hoodies, and accessories you'll want to wear every day. Their Palestine collection ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to Gaza, providing urgent aid, food, and water. With every purchase, you're not just adding to your wardrobe – you're supporting real change. Images: Instagram
