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Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Promises are for never: Bashir Makhoul eyes pledges in Zawyeh Gallery show
Zawyeh Gallery is currently hosting The Promise, a solo exhibition by renowned Palestinian artist Bashir Makhoul. To run till June 30, in The Promise Makhoul unveils his latest works, exploring themes of home, displacement and memory through visual narratives. The exhibition title encapsulates a poetic and ambiguous statement of intent — an assertion that is both an event and its upending. A promise is made and, inevitably, can be broken. The duality is at the heart of Makhoul's practice, where creation and fragmentation, completion and rupture, coexist. At the core of the exhibition is the recurring motif of the house, depicted in its most elemental form: a cube with a door and a window. The geometric structures, arranged in dense and chaotic formations, reflect the overcrowded conditions of refugee camps and marginalised communities. Despite their elegant colour palettes, the artworks reveal a stark contrast between aesthetic beauty and unsettling political realities. An olive tree in close-up. Featuring works in painting, electroplated sculptures, printmaking, handwoven wool and silk tapestries and mixed media works, the art explores identity, fragmentation, dispossession, and longing. Through layered symbols such as home, petals, and patterns, Makhoul examines the fragile balance between loss and hope, chaos and order, destruction and rebirth. Home for him is both a sanctuary and a site of loss. It is not only a place where one builds memories, but also a location where one loses them. Home therefore does not offer only security, but also gives birth to instability and loss, especially if home is a refugee camp. Makhoul explores his relationship with his homeland, examining its emotional and psychological impact. He works between lived reality and nostalgia, presence and displacement, permanence and impermanence. Weaving is just not a skill for him: it is also the reconstruction of memories while electroplated sculptures symbolise disruption. As a Palestinian who has spent most of his life in exile, the notion of home is therefore conflicted. The Palestinian experience of home under occupation is marked by the sense of belonging and also the haunting feel of uncertainty. Among the featured series is Fractured Oblivion, an extension of the artist's earlier Promise series. Scattered blossom petals — once symbols of unity — now encircle dark voids that echo bullet holes Makhoul photographed in Beirut in the 1990s. The colour hides pain. The war-torn surfaces evoke his family's exile during the Nakba, while the petals suggest healing and the voids, as the title implies, lead only to oblivion. The themes of rupture and continuity extend into the Skein series, where tangled threads symbolise exile and return. Works such as Drift and Density (3) explore the Palestinian experience of loss and perseverance, with Density (3) standing as a testament to a fragmented nation bound together by resilience and solidarity. Makhoul's latest experiments in electroplated 3D printing introduce an unexpected crystalline structure inside his house formations. The approach reaches its pinnacle in My Olive Tree, where geometric structures take on the spectral form of an ancient olive tree — a personal symbol for the artist, standing between two parcels of land he does not own. The olive tree, much like the Palestinian people, waits — embodying persistence and the inevitable fulfillment of the promise to return. The Promise offers a powerful meditation on identity, displacement, and resilience, and marks Makhoul's first solo exhibition in Dubai. He was born in 1963 in the village of Makhoul in the Galilee region of Palestine. The artist was only five years old when he and his nine siblings — four sisters and five brothers — lost their father, leaving his mother alone to raise them. He attended school till he was ten, and around the age of 13, began to supplement his schooling with paid work at a carpentry shop to contribute to the household income. It was his boss at this shop who discovered his artistic skills and passion for design; eighteen months after he began, Makhoul was named the manager of the workshop. Following secondary school, he also made violins designed for Arabic music and played them at weddings. In the early 1980s, he began to study fine arts at Haifa University, later relocating to the United Kingdom. In 2017, Makhoul became the first Palestinian Vice-Chancellor at the University for the Creative Arts, UK, cementing his central place in the art world of the Palestinian diaspora. Bashir Makhoul is a Palestinian artist. Exile has significantly impacted Palestinian art, forcing artists to grapple with displacement, identity, and the ongoing struggle for homeland. Palestinian artists have used their work to express the pain of loss, cultivate nostalgia for a lost homeland, and document the tragic experiences of their families and communities. Exile also has led to the development of new artistic mediums and styles, as artists adapt to changed circumstances. notes that the Palestinian experience of exile 'is a multifaceted tapestry woven with threads of longing and resistance. At its core lies the dichotomy between the tangible memories of those who were forced to leave their homeland by Israel's military forces and the inherited narratives passed down to subsequent generations. Throughout their diasporic journey, Palestinians have grappled with the challenge of preserving their heritage and resisting attempts to delegitimise their indigenous connection to the land ... diaspora, far from being a passive state of displacement, emerged as a locus of resistance and cultural resurgence. Artists and writers crafted narratives of resilience, depicting the indomitable spirit of a people determined to resist cultural assimilation and preserve their identity.'
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Wishaw MSP backing new Scottish Government campaign to find more foster carers
Foster carers play a vital role in supporting and providing safe and loving foster homes to children and young people. They are key to the Scottish Government's ambition of delivering The Promise by 2030. Motherwell and Wishaw's MSP is backing a new Scottish Government campaign to find more foster carers. Foster carers play a vital role in supporting and providing safe and loving foster homes to children and young people. They are key to the Scottish Government's ambition of delivering The Promise by 2030. The Fostering Network estimates that Scotland needs at least 400 more foster carers. The new campaign aims to raise awareness of fostering and encourage people in Motherwell and Wishaw and across Scotland to consider the life-changing impact they could make on the lives of a child or young person. The Scottish Government's campaign will run across TV, radio, press and digital channels through May and June. A new website and advice line will support people interested in fostering. Clare Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said: 'Becoming a foster carer is a wonderful opportunity to give children love, care, and support. 'You do not special qualifications, but you do need compassion, commitment, and a drive to help children fulfil their potential. 'Kids flourish with love and support. To foster a child is an incredible act and one that could have an extraordinary impact on a person's life. 'The Scottish Government is running this new campaign because we need more foster carers. That is why I am encouraging people in Motherwell and Wishaw who can offer a loving home to find out more.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
New recruitment campaign to help find more Scots foster carers launches to mark Foster Care Fortnight
The Scottish Government initiative, which was announced by First Minister John Swinney, aims to support the recruitment of more local authority foster carers and raise awareness of the benefits of fostering. A new recruitment campaign to help find more foster carers has been launched to mark Foster Care Fortnight - and people across North Lanarkshire are being encouraged to consider if they could provide "a safe, supportive foster home for a child or young person". The Scottish Government initiative, which was announced by First Minister John Swinney, aims to support the recruitment of more local authority foster carers and raise awareness of the benefits of fostering. The Fostering Network estimates that Scotland needs at least 400 additional foster carers. The campaign highlights how the "ordinary" - from eating together, to watching TV together - can be extraordinary in the life of a child in foster care. Councillor Michael McBride, who leads on education, children, and families, said: " North Lanarkshire Council is proud to support this campaign, which aims to encourage more people to think about becoming foster carers. "Fostering can have a hugely positive impact on children's lives. "We strongly encourage anyone who can offer a safe, caring, and supportive home to learn more about how to get involved and the difference it can make." Sarah Bennett, who has been a foster carer for 14 years, added: 'People often speak about how foster caring changes children's lives, but he's changed our lives completely. "Every child needs a safe, loving environment, and somebody in their corner to fight for them, advocate for them, and think they're the best thing since sliced bread. "If you can do that by becoming a foster carer, the rewards can be huge. "It's an amazing experience; there are lows as well as highs, of course, but my family and I have learned so much about ourselves as people. It's been so positive for us." As he met foster carers at the new campaign launch, First Minister John Swinney said: "Foster carers play a vital role supporting and providing safe and loving foster homes to children and young people. "They are key to our ambition of delivering The Promise by 2030. "Across Scotland, foster carers provide stability, care and connection to support children and young people to thrive. "Our campaign importantly focuses on how the everyday 'ordinary' can be extraordinary for a child in foster care. "Fostering can be transformational for a child or young person and by stepping forward, foster carers offer not just a home, but the relationships and support that help shape brighter futures." Anne Currie, assistant director for Scotland at The Fostering Network, added: "We welcome the launch of the Scottish Government's national campaign to recruit foster carers, and hope this leads to more people stepping forward from North Lanarkshire to become foster carers in Scotland, and raises awareness of the vital role fostering plays. "The need has never been more urgent - as over 350 foster carers leave each year, it's critical that we take action now." The campaign will run across TV, radio, digital and press throughout May and June. A new website and dedicated advice line have been launched to support those interested in finding out more. For more information on how to become a foster carer, visit here or call the Fosterline service on 0141 204 1400. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Urgent appeal launched to find more foster carers in Dumfries and Galloway
The Fostering Network estimates at least 400 new foster carers are needed across Scotland. An urgent appeal has been launched to find more foster carers in Dumfries and Galloway. The Fostering Network estimates at least 400 new foster carers are needed across Scotland. And with Foster Care Fortnight running until May 26, people in Dumfries and Galloway are being asked to consider if they could provide a safe, supportive foster home for a child or young person. Ciar of the region's social work services committee, Councillor Pauline Drysdale, said: 'Fostering is a hugely important part of helping local children find comfort and security in the ordinary moments, close to home. With a full enrolment and training programme in place through our fostering and adoption team, anyone over the age of 21 with the free space to accommodate a foster child can come forward and make a real difference to the life of a local young person looking for a safe place to stay. 'Dumfries and Galloway is a beautiful place to grow up, and finding local people of all backgrounds who can open their homes to children from the region who are in need of a place to stay means a world of difference to that child; it's the difference between possibly having to relocate to an unfamiliar area, and being able to stay close to the people, places and spaces they know and cherish.' Sarah Bennett, who has been a foster carer for 14 years, added: 'People often speak about how foster caring changes children's lives, but he's changed our lives completely. Every child needs a safe, loving environment, and somebody in their corner to fight for them, advocate for them, and think they're the best thing since sliced bread. If you can do that by becoming a foster carer, the rewards can be huge. It's an amazing experience, there are lows as well as highs, of course, but my family and I have learned so much about ourselves as people. It's been so positive for us.' THe Scottish Government has launched a new campaign to support the recruitment of more foster carers and raise awareness of the benefits of fostering. First Minister John Swinney said: 'Foster carers play a vital role supporting and providing safe and loving foster homes to children and young people. They are key to our ambition of delivering The Promise by 2030. 'Across Scotland, foster carers provide stability, care and connection to support children and young people to thrive. 'Our campaign importantly focuses on how the everyday 'ordinary' can be extraordinary for a child in foster care. Fostering can be transformational for a child or young person and by stepping forward, foster carers offer not just a home, but the relationships and support that help shape brighter futures.' Assistant director for Scotland at The Fostering Network, Anne Currie, added: 'We welcome the launch of the Scottish Government's national campaign to recruit foster carers, and hope this leads to more people stepping forward Dumfries and Galloway to become foster carers in Scotland, and raises awareness of the vital role fostering plays. 'The need has never been more urgent – as over 350 foster carers leave each year, it's critical that we take action now.' For more information on how to become a foster carer, visit The Scottish Government website or ring the Fosterline service on 0141 204 1400.
Scotsman
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Nicola Sturgeon to re-enter frontline politics with SNP by-election campaigning
Nicola Sturgeon will return to frontline politics this weekend Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Nicola Sturgeon is poised to re-enter Scottish frontline politics today when she shakes off the turmoil since quitting as first minister to campaign for the SNP in a crunch by-election. The former first minister will boast about her achievements in government for children and young families as she aims to give SNP candidate Katy Louden a boost on the doorstep by campaigning in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Nicola Sturgeon (Picture: Lisa Ferguson) But opponents have claimed that Ms Sturgeon re-entering political campaigning for the SNP shows John Swinney and the party are embracing her 'toxic legacy'. Since standing down from the government, Ms Sturgeon has largely taken a backseat in Scottish politics, except to raise issues close to her heart including a pledge to keep 'The Promise' to children in care and LGBTQ+ rights. Ms Sturgeon said she was 'delighted' to be joining Ms Loudon, and praised the SNP for moving to 'transform lives and create opportunities for Scotland's next generation'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She added: 'The needs of children and young people will always be at the heart of the SNP's vision for a fairer, more equal Scotland - whether that be the Babybox, the expansion of free early learning and childcare, or the game changing Scottish Child Payment. 'The approach the SNP is taking in Scotland stands in stark contrast to that of the Labour government at Westminster.' She added: 'Whilst Keir Starmer is refusing to scrap the cruel two child cap, the SNP is stepping up and ending the two child limit in Scotland – lifting over 15,000 children out of poverty in the process. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The SNP will always take the action we can to ensure every child, regardless of their circumstances, gets the best start in life. 'And with Labour kowtowing to Farage's corrosive brand of politics, it's only the SNP who is providing real help and real hope for the next generation. But Scottish Conservative deputy leader, Rachael Hamilton, accused Ms Sturgeon of 'shamelessly hijacking this by-election to try and desperately talk up her own record'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Rachael Hamilton | Jane Barlow/PA Wire She added: 'Voters in this constituency and up and down Scotland won't be fooled. They are still suffering from her failures and her focus on the politics of division. 'It is thanks to her that voters feel more disconnected than ever from Holyrood and are disillusioned with politicians. 'By welcoming her along on the campaign trail, it is also clear John Swinney remains happy to stand by her toxic legacy which he backed every step of the way.' Scottish Labour deputy leader, Jackie Baillie, said: 'It is a bold choice for Nicola Sturgeon to begin what is surely a national apology tour at this by-election. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Growing old in Scotland should be something to be celebrated, not feared (Picture: Jeff) 'From leaving the NHS on its knees, wasting hundreds of millions in public money and kickstarting the housing emergency - she is the architect of the failure people here live with every day. 'Only Davy Russell and Scottish Labour can turn the page on SNP incompetence and deliver the new direction Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse needs.
