Mohammed Freej

I'm Mohammed, a graphic designer and artist from Gaza. I draw because drawing is my only voice in a world filled with both noise and silence. Since the beginning of the war, my life has changed completely; I lost my father and became the sole provider for my family, bearing their responsibility with all the strength and hope I possess.

I draw because art saved me from breaking down, and because it's the only way I can transform pain into meaning. I draw faces, people, and stories, and I draw humanity as I feel it, not as it's usually portrayed.

I draw anyone who asks me to do so in exchange for a humanitarian contribution, simply to meet my family's basic needs for food, water, clothing, and everything else necessary for life. Every contribution, no matter how small, means we can continue for another day.

My favorite style is abstract expressionism because it's closest to my heart. This style gives me complete freedom to express my feelings without constraints. War isn't depicted with straight lines, and emotions aren't told directly. In overlapping colors and bold strokes, I pour my fear, my sorrow, and my hope, allowing the feelings to reach me before the words.

My art is not just paintings; it is a testament to life, a memory, and a message of peace from Gaza to the world.

I paint to say that we are still here, dreaming, loving, and resisting pain through art.