Artist channels feminist, Palestinian identity through graffiti

AMMAN — Out of a belief that art changes lives, Palestinian artist Laila Ajjawi chose graffiti to express her views on the occupation and women-related issues in the Irbid Refugee Camp.

The 25-year-old said she started drawing graffiti around two years ago to demonstrate reality through colours and images, not only through words. 

“I always try to create a mural that people and passers-by would understand and relate to — a humanitarian cause, an idea, a conversation,” the camp resident told The Jordan Times in a recent interview. 

Ajjawi completed her first piece in Ras Al Ain Gallery at a workshop organised by the Women on Walls in 2014. She drew a woman going through a dilemma of thoughts with the phrase: “Look At My Mind”.

She said the idea behind it was to raise awareness about the objectification of women and the judgments made about them, and show that many women have ideas that can change the world. 

“The first feedback I received on the feminist drawing was encouraging, people were aware of the subject and accepted the piece I worked on, many of them came to discuss the topic.” 

At the camp, Ajjawi tries to bring people’s attention to existing issues, including the occupation.

“[Any] refugee camp would be experiencing dire conditions — it is a difficult place to live. The services provided aren’t like those available in the capital and other governorates.”

The artist said she seeks to encourage young camp residents to build their futures and to always remember Palestine.

“New generations aren’t connected to the Palestinian conflict the way the previous generations were. We are the focal point that links both generations and we should act like that,” she said.

Ajjawi noted that she tries to illustrate ideas more than words in her graffiti.

“What you see every day becomes part of your identity, decisions, and thoughts... If the drawing belongs to the people, it becomes part of them.”

The artist said she spent between 12 to 16 hours on her first artwork, but after almost two years, it now takes her four to five hours to create a piece, depending on the content and the dimensions of the wall.

She added that her art receives more attention in old neighbourhoods and in the Azraq and Zaatari camps.

“You will notice that most of my work is feminine, because women in our communities do not practise graffiti art. I always make sure to add a feminine touch to my pieces.”

Ajjawi said one of the reasons she started drawing in Irbid was because she “wanted young girls and women to feel that they can be leaders in their own communities”.

“I feel that I can deliver the message clearly since I am one of them; my circumstances are like theirs and it is more credible [that way].”