Aya Juha for the exhibition “Human Not Numbers,” 2024, North Gaza, Palestine
Against all odds and in the face of war, Palestinian artists in Gaza have remained creative. Now, over 40 of them have come together to launch the Gaza Biennale. Currently in the funding phase, the group is looking for partner institutions in and out of Gaza to host a series of events that will showcase the powerful voices of these artists.
According to The Guardian, some of the artists were able to cross into Egypt at the start of the war, while others continue to create while in a war zone. While these artists may not be able to participate physically, they will attempt to recreate their work remotely or send digital copies. Occasionally, they may also be able to send out artwork with aid workers.
“No war can stop the dreams of dreamers, and no mechanisms of domination extinguish the light in the hearts and minds of creators,” say the organizers in a manifesto posted to their website.
My Modern Met had the opportunity to hear from three artists involved in the project, as they each share why they are participating in the Gaza Biennale and why they keep pushing forward to be creative even in this time of war. Scroll down to read each of their responses in full.
Over 40 Palestinian artists are coming together to launch the Gaza Biennale.
“Lost” by Yasmeen Al Daya (2024)
Ahmed Alasarz for the exhibition “Harvest,” 2024, Gaza, Palestine
Three of these artists share what it means to them to stay creative while Gaza is under seige.
Ahmed Adnan
“Beyond Capacity” by Ahmed Adnan
Why is it so important that the Gaza Biennale happen?
There is no doubt that the Biennale event has been a very important platform for conveying the voices of Palestinian visual artists in Gaza to the outside world. It has undoubtedly enhanced artistic culture, strengthened artistic connections between all generations, and formed a strong bond between artists on both academic and social levels. It is worth mentioning that the Biennale has become a focal point and a spotlight for artists from abroad to learn about what is happening in Gaza. Therefore, the Biennale is an event that must and should be continually renewed. From my personal perspective, I see the Biennale as the true lifeline for art in Gaza.
As Palestinian artists, why is it so important to keep creating?
Creativity is, of course, invaluable to life and survival, as is the deep connection between the artist and their work. There is no doubt that the Palestinian artist views creative work as a way to convey the voice of their cause, emotions, and experiences to the world outside. Creativity is a universal language that does not require letters or translation; it is the language of peace and connects visually across all cultures and civilizations, both modern and ancient. Naturally, the Palestinian artist approaches the cause in an artistic and creative manner. Therefore, it is essential to continue creating in order to document both past and future events. Art is a third lung; it's an ongoing search for art. It is as integral to Gaza as the rest of the world.
Maysa Yousef
View this post on Instagram
Why is it so important that the Gaza Biennale happen?
It is a message of resilience and strength, a declaration that we are still alive, still present, despite the ongoing genocide against us in Gaza. It’s a challenge to the brutal war we are enduring and the oppressive circumstances we face. Despite the collapse of all aspects of life and the lack of essential materials needed to create our art, we are still producing sketches and artworks. They might be simple, but they are born from nothingness, from what remains around us.
As Palestinian artists, why is it so important to keep creating?
The artist's role is no less significant than that of the photographer who captures images from the heart of critical events. The artist has lived the experience firsthand. We have lived through displacement, exile, hunger, fear, loss, oppression, deprivation, surveillance, and the ruthless exploitation by profiteers. All these conditions are evident in our works, which will travel the world to narrate and document every story we have lived.
As for the term we use to describe the catastrophic reality we endure, it is undoubtedly genocide, ethnic cleansing, and the erasure of identity and cultural heritage.
Motaz Naim
“Gaza and its Cities” by Motaz Naim (2024)
Why is it so important that the Gaza Biennale happen?
The Gaza Biennale holds extraordinary significance, serving as a platform for Palestinian artists to express their struggles and hopes through art. It offers a way to share our stories with the world in a creative language that resonates universally. Amid the harsh conditions we endure, this event becomes a bridge to the international community, shedding light on Gaza’s plight in a deeply human and touching manner. The Biennale is also a testament to the Palestinians' determination to preserve their culture and identity despite immense challenges.
As Palestinian artists, why is it so important to keep creating?
For Palestinian artists, creativity is both an act of resistance and a means of survival. Through art, we can preserve our cultural identity and document our experiences and suffering, which might otherwise be forgotten amidst the chaos. Creativity is a way to express hope and resilience, demonstrating to the world that we are not just numbers in news headlines but human beings with stories that deserve to be told. Continuing to create art gives us strength to confront tragedy and affirms our ability to transform pain into beauty, carrying a profound humanitarian message.
Gaza Biennale: Website
All images courtesy of the artists. My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Gaza Biennale.
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