Artist Statement

Growing up as a Palestinian in Israel had me constantly questioning who I was. I learned to blend in easily, being taught that avoiding politics would make life simpler. Still, my struggles around identity and belonging always found their way into my paintings, where I didn't have to hold back. The use of vibrant colors reflects that freedom, a space where I no longer need to hide.

In my early work, I focused on portraits because that's what I associated with identity. Over time, I realized identity goes far beyond the visible. My practice began to explore my Palestinian roots and everything that comes with them, including food, traditions, struggle, censorship, and culture.

Like many others, I wasn't taught about my ancestors or their experiences during the Nakba because most stories were too painful to share and elders rarely wanted to relive their memories. Learning about my Palestinian heritage and lost traditions as an adult meant chasing questions and gathering fragments to fill the years of not knowing.

The "Returning Home" series is about reclaiming what was lost, creating space to pause from painful realities and to celebrate the beauty and richness of Palestinian culture. My signature tiny people meet the viewer wherever they are, sometimes adding playfulness and other times reflecting the feeling of being small and helpless.