Pictured, bottom centre painting, by Chiana
“This piece highlights the power of resistance in the Palestinian struggle, portraying resilience as the force that mends a broken heart and ensures Palestine's survival.
I wanted it to hold the memories and meanings of resistance, allowing different interpretations. Some might notice the white kite, hear Dr. Refaat Alareer’s poetry, spot the keffiyeh in the heart, or read “انتفاضة” in Arabic.
Inspired by Yousef Sharrab’s words, “olives are what root us in our land,” the olive tree here symbolises healing and the map of Palestine. The tree’s roots and the poppies represent the deep connection Palestinians have to their land, while the key signifies the quest for return and justice.
For me, this heart reflects the resilience that keeps Palestinian hearts from shattering. This won’t be my last piece; there will be a day when I can finish it with no bloodshed, when Palestine is free.”
Pictured, left side top and bottom paintings, by Alicia
“These paintings were looking at the patterns and movements of flags within the context of local protests, leading into an interest in the links between genocide and ecocide of indigenous groups.”
Pictured, top right graphic piece, by Georgia
Pictured, bottom right mixed media piece, by Frankie
“This is a lion's paw symbol - an ancient Middle Eastern spiritual symbol, the green paw being strength, and the red stitching, as its claws, being protection. There are also painted olive brine spirals emerging from the lion's paw, and one in the middle, to visually tie the image together, thinking about unity and oneness.”