Jenin
1984 - Present
Description
This work features fragments of Arabic newspapers from the 1930s to the early 2000s, as well as the most recent issues from 2023, as the canvas's foundation, symbolising how Jenin's story has been repeated throughout its history. The city, located in the West Bank, has endured brutal Israeli attacks. The upper section of the work is dominated by words on occupation, resistance, and Zionism, creating a deliberate sense of chaos. In contrast, thelower section represents a blood-soaked soil and land, grounding Jenin in its physical reality.The red dots symbolise fallen martyrs, while the blood in the centre evokes sacrifice,violence, and death through an explosive image. On the cover, the yellow and blue coloursrepresent hope, providing a stark contrast to Jenin's harsh reality.
Artist Notes
This piece was created in Summer 2023, following a brief break from painting. One morning, I woke to the news of Israel invading Jenin camp, killing around eight people. I was furious and angry. Later that day, I found myself walking through Stockholm's streets, entering a painting and art supplies shop to buy brushes, materials, and acrylics, as well as paper-based products. That night, I spent drawing and painting, thinking about Jenin. Then it hit me how Jenin was in 2002, with hundreds of people killed, and the situation in the 1930s, then now again? It was like a storm of history erupting in front of me, with bloodshed unfolding before my eyes. I delved into archival newspapers and found the canvas. It was as if I were bringing history back to life, reliving the moment the brush was in my hands. This piece is a memorial and act of resistance, reflecting the brutal history against Jenin. Who can forget the Jenin Refugee Camp massacre of the early 2000s? The way Jenin has been in the headlines has made it unique in many ways.
