After a nearly four-month closure due to ongoing attacks on Gaza, the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit, situated in the Occupied West Bank, has reopened its doors. In an act of defiance and hope, the museum welcomed 350 visitors last Sunday, February 11, to three separate exhibitions aimed at standing against the atrocities inflicted upon Gaza.
The main exhibition, titled “This is Not an Exhibition,” curated by Eltiqa Art Gallery and Shababek Gallery in Gaza, showcases over 280 artworks by more than 100 Gazan artists. Despite the recent destruction of art venues in Gaza by Israeli bombing, the exhibition serves as a powerful testament to creative resistance amidst the horror of conflict.
Tayseer Barakat’s solo exhibition, “Disappeared,” housed in the museum’s Glass Gallery, delves into the theme of loss during wartime. Through haunting depictions and poignant poems, Barakat offers a visceral exploration of the realities faced by Gazans. In the museum’s lobby, the exhibition “Women of Gaza” celebrates Gazan culture through an ethnographic display featuring traditional jewelry, dresses, and embroidery. As Gazan heritage faces threats of disappearance, this exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the endurance of Palestinian culture.
Obour Hashash, the program manager at the Palestinian Museum, emphasized the importance of preserving Palestinian history and dreams amidst ongoing conflict. She highlighted the devastation wrought upon cultural heritage in Gaza and the significance of the exhibitions in asserting Palestinian presence and resilience. Despite challenges in communication with artists in Gaza, the museum plans to issue an open call to collectors of Gazan art across the West Bank. This initiative aims to further amplify the voices of Gazan artists and solidify solidarity through art.
As the Palestinian Museum reopens its doors amidst adversity, it stands as a beacon of hope, defiance, and resilience. Through art, it amplifies the voices of Gazan artists, preserves cultural heritage, and reaffirms the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people.
Feature Image: This is Not an Exhibition gathers over 280 artworks by more than 100 Gazan artists, collected from across historic Palestine. Courtesy: hyperallergic
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