Art in all its forms and tools, colour our daily lives and document our journey, with every letter, note, brush stroke, story and tatreez stitch. We dance our unique Dabke and sing our Mayjana in weddings and celebrations, wearing our tatreez dresses, recounting the stories of our elders and teaching our children the preciousness they are inheriting. Explore the tickling of your senses with our creative people of Palestine.
Ismail Shammout (1930-2006)
Sliman Mansour (b. 1947)
Emily Jacir (b. 1970)
Laila Shawa (1940-2022)
Naji Al Ali (1938-1987)
Samia Halaby (b. 1936)
Nabil Anani (b. 1969)
Mother of pearl carvings from Palestine came to the U.S. via the World's Fair in 1853 displayed by brothers Giries and Ibrahim Mansur.
Palestinian artists, painters, sculptors, and visual designers form a vibrant and essential part of the cultural landscape. Their work reflects not only artistic talent but also our unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Often, these creations serve as powerful expressions of identity, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for self-determination. They explore themes of:
Palestinian visual designers play a crucial role in shaping visual culture and communication. They work in various fields, including graphic design, web design, and animation, creating impactful visuals for diverse purposes. Palestinian artists often face numerous challenges, including limited resources, restrictions on movement, and the ongoing political situation. Despite these obstacles, they continue to create powerful and moving works of art, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their craft and their cultural heritage. They contribute significantly to the global art scene, offering unique perspectives and enriching our understanding of the world. Their work serves as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, express complex emotions, and inspire hope for a better future.
Artists:
Ismail Shammout (1930-2006): A prominent painter known for his powerful depictions of Palestinian life and the Nakba (the 1948 displacement of Palestinians).
Sliman Mansour (born 1947): A renowned artist whose works often use symbolic imagery to explore Palestinian identity and resistance. His iconic painting “Camel of Hardships” has become a symbol of Palestinian resilience.
Emily Jacir (born 1970): A contemporary artist who uses various media, including photography, video, and installation, to explore themes of displacement, memory, and cultural identity.
Laila Shawa (born 1940): A pioneering female artist whose work addresses issues of gender, politics, and social injustice.
Naji Al Ali (1938-1987): was a Palestinian political cartoonist, noted for the political criticism of the Arab regimes and Israel in his works. Al-Ali is best known as the creator of the character Handala, a personification of the Palestinian people that has become prominent symbol of Palestinian nationalism and resistance.
Samia Halaby (1936): Samia A. Halaby is a Palestinian Postwar & Contemporary painter. Her work is currently being shown at multiple venues like Tate Modern in London. Numerous key galleries and museums such as The Block Museum have featured Samia A. Halaby’s work in the past.
Nabil Anani (1969): is a Palestinian visual artist. He was one of the founders of the contemporary Palestinian art movement called New Vision.
Vera Tamari (1945): is a Palestinian visual artist, art historian, curator and educator. She is known for artwork in ceramics, sculpture, painting, and installation art. Tamari taught at Birzeit University for many years. She founded the Birzeit Museum of Ethnography and Art. Tamari lives in Ramallah, West Bank.
Tayseer Barakat (1959): is a Palestinian painter, curator, and writer. He also owns a gallery–cafe in Ramallah, where he lives. Barakat was one of the founding members of the League of Palestinian Artists in 1973, and the New Vision art group and movement in 1987.
Writing (prose & poetry)
Palestinian writers have made significant contributions to Arabic literature and beyond, tackling themes of identity, displacement, resistance, and the human condition. Their works offer powerful insights into the Palestinian experience and the complexities of the region. Here are some of the most prominent Palestinian writers:
Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008):
Often considered the national poet of Palestine, Darwish’s poetry is deeply intertwined with the Palestinian struggle for self-determination. His works explore themes of exile, loss, and the longing for a homeland, using rich imagery and evocative language. Some of his notable works include “Identity Card,” “Memory for Forgetfulness,” and “In the Presence of Absence.”
Ghassan Kanafani (1936-1972):
A prominent novelist, short story writer, and political activist, Kanafani’s works often depict the harsh realities of Palestinian life under occupation and in refugee camps. His stories are known for their realism and their focus on the human impact of political conflict. Some of his well-known works include “Men in the Sun,” “Returning to Haifa,” and “All That’s Left to You.”
Edward Said (1935-2003):
A renowned literary theorist, cultural critic, and public intellectual, Said’s work “Orientalism” (1978) had a profound impact on postcolonial studies. His writings explored the representation of the “Orient” in Western literature and art, challenging stereotypical portrayals and highlighting the power dynamics between the West and the East.
Sahir Khalifeh (born 1941):
One of the most prominent female Palestinian writers, Khalifeh’s novels explore the lives of Palestinian women and their experiences within a patriarchal society and under occupation. Her works often challenge traditional gender roles and address social and political issues. Some of her notable novels include “Wild Thorns,” “The Inheritance,” and “My First and Only Love.”
Mourid Barghouti (1944-2021):
A celebrated poet and writer, Barghouti’s memoir “I Saw Ramallah” (1997) is a poignant reflection on his return to his homeland after thirty years in exile. The book explores themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of Palestinian identity.
Fadwa Tuqan (1917-2003): A pioneering female poet whose work explored themes of love, loss, and social protest.
Emile Habibi (1922-1996): A novelist and politician known for his satirical and allegorical works that addressed the complexities of Palestinian life within Israel.
Susan Abulhawa (born 1967): A Palestinian-American novelist whose works, such as “Mornings in Jenin,” explore the Palestinian experience from a diasporic perspective.
Films & Filmmakers
Palestinian filmmakers have produced a rich and diverse body of work, often focusing on themes of identity, displacement, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the human cost of political turmoil. Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited funding and restrictions on movement, they have gained international recognition and critical acclaim.
Palestinian filmmakers explore a wide range of themes and styles. These include:-
Palestinian filmmakers continue to produce important and impactful works that contribute to global cinema. Their films offer valuable insights into the Palestinian experience and the complexities of the region, challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding.
Here are some notable Palestinian filmmakers:
Elia Suleiman: Known for his distinctive cinematic style, often characterized by deadpan humor, minimalist dialogue, and observational storytelling. His films, such as “Chronicle of a Disappearance” (1996), “Divine Intervention” (2002), and “It Must Be Heaven” (2019), explore Palestinian identity and the absurdities of life under occupation.
Hany Abu-Assad: A prominent filmmaker whose works have garnered international awards and recognition. His films, such as “Paradise Now” (2005), which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and “Omar” (2013), explore the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on individuals.
Michel Khleifi: A pioneering figure in Palestinian cinema, known for his documentaries and fiction films that address Palestinian identity and the challenges of living under occupation. His film “Wedding in Galilee” (1987) is considered a landmark in Palestinian cinema.
Annemarie Jacir: A filmmaker and poet whose films explore themes of displacement, memory, and cultural identity. Her films, such as “Salt of This Sea” (2008) and “When I Saw You” (2012), have been screened at prestigious film festivals worldwide.
Rashid Masharawi: A prolific filmmaker who has directed numerous documentaries and fiction films focusing on Palestinian life and the impact of the conflict.
Mai Masri: A documentary filmmaker whose works focus on women’s issues and social realities in Palestine and Lebanon.
Emad Burnat: A documentary filmmaker whose film “5 Broken Cameras” (2011), co-directed with Guy Davidi, documented the protests against the Israeli separation barrier in his village.
Farah Nabulsi: A Palestinian-British filmmaker whose short film “The Present” (2020) was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.
Music
Palestinian music is a rich tapestry woven with diverse influences, reflecting the region’s history, culture, and ongoing struggles. It encompasses traditional folk music, classical Arabic music, and contemporary genres like pop, hip-hop, and rock. Palestinian music often explores themes of:
National Identity and Belonging: Many Palestinian musicians use their music to express their connection to their homeland and their cultural heritage.
The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: The ongoing conflict is a recurring theme in Palestinian music, with many artists using their work to express their experiences, frustrations, and hopes for peace.
Resistance and Resilience: Palestinian music often celebrates the resilience and resistance of the Palestinian people in the face of adversity.
Palestinian musicians continue to create powerful and moving music that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the Palestinian people. Their work contributes significantly to the global music scene and serves as a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and express complex emotions.
Here are some notable Palestinian musicians and aspects of their music:
Traditional Music:
Folk Music: Traditional Palestinian folk music is characterized by its use of instruments like the oud (a lute-like instrument), the mijwiz (a double-pipe wind instrument), and the tabla (a drum). It often features songs and dances associated with weddings, celebrations, and agricultural activities.
Dabke: This is a Levantine folk dance popular in Palestine, often performed at celebrations and cultural events. It involves synchronized line dancing and rhythmic stomping.
Notable Musicians and Groups:
Marcel Khalife: A renowned Lebanese composer, singer, and oud player whose music is deeply connected to the Palestinian cause. His songs often express solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle for self-determination.
DAM: This Palestinian hip-hop group, formed in Lod (within present-day Israel), is known for its politically charged lyrics that address issues of social injustice, discrimination, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. They are considered pioneers of Palestinian hip-hop and have gained international recognition.
Kamilya Jubran: A Palestinian singer and oud player known for her innovative approach to traditional Arabic music. She blends traditional melodies with contemporary influences, creating a unique and captivating sound.
Le Trio Joubran: This trio of Palestinian oud players, from Nazareth, has gained international acclaim for their virtuosity and their ability to blend traditional Arabic music with elements of jazz and world music.
Mohammed Assaf: Winner of Arab Idol in 2013, Assaf brought Palestinian music to a wider audience with his powerful voice and patriotic songs.
Rim Banna: (1966-2018) A beloved Palestinian singer, composer, and activist known for her songs that combined traditional Palestinian folk music with modern arrangements, often addressing themes of resistance and resilience.
Saint Levant: Marwan Abdelhamid, known as Saint Levant, is a Palestinian singer-songwriter and rapper.
DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi: A world-renowned techno DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi who is now a household name on the techno scene. The ‘first’ Palestinian techno DJ and producer shot to world fame through the 2018 Boileroom session in Ramallah and from then on the techno queen has gone to tour the world.
Rasha Nahas
For lovers of the avant-garde Rasha Nahas offers beautiful theatrical vibes, with hints of pop, indie rock, jazz, rockabilly, surrealism, punk and spoken-word. The Palestinian guitarist, singer and composer has just released her highly anticipated debut album Desert.
Faraj Suleiman
Acclaimed Jazz pianist and composer Faraj Suleiman has brought tango infused rhythms into his compositions. Suleiman composes music for theatre and has collaborated with world famous graffiti artist, Banksy for his piece at the Walled-off Hotel in Bethlehem, Palestine.
Nai Barghouti
She is a singer, composer and ney player Nai Barhgouti remains firmly rooted within the Arabic modal system and music. The young singer’s impressive musical career saw her touring the UK in 2017, her ney compositions became part of the flute curriculum at the International Institute of Iberian Music in Valencia and she has been exploring the relationship between Tarab (classical Arabic singing) and jazz at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
