‘Brush and Cause’ art exhibition shows solidarity with Palestinians

AMMAN — The Mobile Atelier Society, in cooperation with the Kudsi Association Knowledge for Heritage and Culture, has launched an art exhibition titled “Brush and Cause” to show solidarity with Palestinians, according to the general coordinator of the society, Omar Bdoor.

The Mobile Atelier Society was founded in 2014 as part of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to support art and artists in Jordan.

The opening ceremony took place on Sunday evening at the Royal Cultural Centre. 

The ceremony showcased the work of 16 artists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Algeria, Tunisia, Syria, the UAE, Iraq, Egypt, Russia, the US and Taipei in addition to 14 Palestinian artists and 42 Jordanian artists, Bdoor told The Jordan Times.

The “Cause” in the exhibition’s title is the Palestinian cause and the “Brush” is that of the artists, he said.

“That’s what we, as artists, can offer for the Palestinian cause. We show our solidarity using our brushes and paintings,” Bdoor added, noting that “an image can say plenty without using any words”. 

Emily Shih, a formative artist from Taipei, told The Jordan Times that art must always be used to support good causes. 

“As fellow humans and witnesses to the repeated violations Palestinians face, it is our duty as artists to use our work in order to represent their cause and communicate their suffering,” she said.

The Algerian formative artist Baghdadi Bedndahmane was also among the artists participating in the exhibition.

“I portrayed Palestine in my art through the story of an affectionate elderly woman hugging a barren olive tree and knowing deep inside that its roots are here to stay and its branches will some day yield fruits,” Bedndahmane told The Jordan Times.

Fayez Elhasani, a formative artist from Gaza, said that ever since the beginning of his career as an artist, he made sure to portray the Palestinian struggle in his art.

“I use my artwork to show the world that we have a history and a right in this land and that we will continue to fight for freedom and independence,” he added.

The three-day exhibition, which runs until November 23, will be held again in “Al Quds Festival” in Zarqa on November 25 and in the Professional Associations Complex on November 29, coinciding with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, according to Bdoor.