Artworks smuggled from Gaza reveal a powerful blend of despair and hope amid ongoing conflict

In a poignant display of artistic resilience, Darat Al-Funun in Amman is hosting the exhibition “Under Fire,” featuring the work of four displaced artists from Gaza. This exhibition, running until the end of the year, presents a stark juxtaposition of beauty and brutality, capturing the harsh realities of life under siege while simultaneously expressing a deep longing for peace and connection.

The exhibition features around 80 artworks from Palestinian artists Basel Al-Maqousi, Majed Shala, Raed Issa, and Sohail Salem. Each piece serves as a testament to their experiences during the ongoing Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip, which has forced them from their homes since October 2023. Among the artworks are tender scenes—a couple in an embrace, families gathered in shared moments, and nature’s beauty through blooming cacti and sunsets—interspersed with more harrowing imagery depicting trauma and loss.

Curator Mohammad Shaqdih reflects on the emotional impact of handling these deeply charged artworks. “I was following their work on social media, but when (the pieces) reached Amman and I held them in my hands, I cried at first, to be honest,” he shared. “There’s so much death, sadness, and blood in these works. At the same time, they embody a form of resilience and resistance. They have life.”

Organising the exhibition was fraught with challenges, notably the logistics of transporting artworks out of Gaza. Shaqdih described the process as both perilous and rewarding. “These works were passing through some conditions that were dangerous. Some of the works were damaged or torn apart,” he explained. “But, thank God, they reached us.” The surviving pieces were created using basic materials, reflecting the artists’ resourcefulness under dire circumstances. For instance, Raed Issa crafted his figurative drawings on medical aid packages, using tea as a dye, while Sohail Salem employed school notebooks provided by the UN Relief and Works Agency for his pen drawings.

Al-Maqousi’s contribution consists of drawings capturing daily life in crowded refugee camps. His assertion that “these works are not paintings or works of art for people to see or buy. They are a part of our bodies” speaks to the intimate connection between the artists and their creations, which serve as a narrative of their existence.

The thematic focus of the exhibition evokes a wide spectrum of emotions, ranging from despair and confusion to hope and love. One standout piece from Issa depicts two figures holding red flowers, contrasting the backdrop of conflict with a splash of vibrancy. “When you read the artists’ incredible accompanying statements, they’re full of human feelings,” said Shaqdih. “They’re still able to work and express their existence as human beings under all the ugliness in this world. It’s a form of resistance and resilience.”

Among the artists, Majed Shala has been particularly vocal about his journey. Born in Gaza in 1960, his work reflects personal memories and the profound effects of bombardment on daily life. Having lost his home and studio, along with all his previous artworks, Shala is currently situated in Deir Al-Balah, where he describes the ongoing situation as “continuously difficult,” marked by a lack of safety and essential supplies. Yet, despite the challenges, he takes pride in having his sketches displayed in Amman, a city he holds dear.

“I hope that the world stands by those who have the rights, who own the land,” Shala expressed, urging a compassionate response from the international community rather than indifference. His sentiments resonate throughout the exhibition, as each artwork tells a story of survival, creativity, and the indomitable human spirit amid the chaos of conflict.

“Under Fire” is more than an exhibition; it is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of war on the arts and the ability of artists to convey their truths through their work. As the exhibition continues to unfold, it invites viewers not only to witness the struggles faced by the artists but also to engage with their messages of resilience and hope in a world often overshadowed by darkness.