In the face of unimaginable hardship, over 50 Palestinian artists in Gaza are planning an ambitious biennale exhibition. The event aims to showcase their work not only within the Gaza Strip but, with the support of international galleries, around the world. A profound act of resilience and defiance against the ongoing siege that has gripped Gaza for years, this endeavor serves as a bold declaration of existence and a refusal to be silenced.
“This work is critical to documenting life under war and is a model of survival for us all,” said organizers. “Art allows us to ask questions we can’t ask, and tell stories beyond the reach of news media and statistics. The subject matter is overwhelming, but the means are gentle. It is time to turn away from the screen, from the politicians, and reckon with what these artists have to say.”
Under the suffocating conditions of the Israeli blockade, moving artwork out of Gaza is nearly impossible. While a small fraction of the participating artists have previously managed to cross borders, the majority will have to find alternative methods to share their creations. For some, this means sending their work digitally; for others, it involves collaborating with aid workers who may occasionally pass through the borders or relying on artists in the West Bank to recreate their pieces from afar. These logistical hurdles only amplify the determination of Gaza’s artists, who remain committed to sharing their stories with the world.
The biennale also serves as a response to the destruction wrought upon Gaza’s cultural heritage. Since Oct. 7, museums, art centers, religious sites, and archaeological landmarks have been targeted and destroyed. Against this backdrop of devastation, the fact that art is still being created is extraordinary. Yet the biennale hopes to explore how the voices of Gaza’s artists can resonate globally without reducing them to mere symbols of suffering.
The project is still in its infancy, its success contingent upon the support of art institutions around the world. In the meantime, The Al Risan Art Museum, also known as the Forbidden Museum, has launched an online fundraiser to help bring this vision to life. All donations will directly support the artists in Gaza and fund the production of their work.
To show your support, consider donating to the fundraiser. Every contribution helps amplify the voices of Gaza’s artists and ensures their stories are seen and heard on a global stage.
Main image: Hamada El Kept, “Under Surveillance”
