“Graffiti began in Gaza in 1987, during the first Intifada, when there was no Palestinian television or radio in the Gaza Strip, and no newspapers: the messages that spread along the walls became an important means of communication. Over the years, all political groups have had their own graffiti artists. Scrawl is not tolerated—it has to look good. Hamas even offers evening classes in graffiti. Documenting the writings on the walls of Gaza over a period of seven years, celebrated Swedish photojournalist Mia Gröndahl lays before us the many roles that they perform, the colorful and surprising range of their artistic expression, and their reflection of the changing political situation. And apart from political slogans, the walls bear witness too to joy and sadness: the wedding celebrations, the many victims of the conflict, and the ever present hope of peace and freedom. For us on the outside, Mia Gröndahl’s photographs offer an exciting and unexpected view of life in Gaza.“
Printed by American University in Cairo Press, this is a must read/must see. Whether your a fan of street art, a supporter of the Palestinian people or just someone interested in world politics from a street level view, this is a book you own. Art can often be used as simply decoration, something to beautify that which appears ugly. However art can also be an instrumental tool in exposing to the world that which they do not see. In this sense, the people of Gaza and their supporters have turned to Street Art as a way to not only vent their frustrations of failed peace talks, corrupt governments and occupiers, starvation, famine, homelessness, poverty….but to reassure the world that they’re still there and they’re still staying strong. Hopefully, with the start of a new decade, the people of Gaza and Palestine will find the courage and strenght to rebuild their civilization in a just and peaceful way. This book is but a small glimpse into the rich culture of the people of Gaza and hopefully when you flip through it, you’ll see just how similar they are to you and your family. After all, we inhabit the same green earth… ~ HLFR
Purchase this book directly from a Palestinian owned Book Store.
Filed under: Activism, Art, Books | Tagged: American University in Cairo University, Apartheid, AUC Press, Documentary, Fateh, Freedom, Gaza Graffiti, Gaza Strip, Genocide, Graffiti Artists, Hamas, HOPE, Intifada, Israel, Mia Gröndahl, Mohammad Al Durra, Murals, Occupation, Palestine, Palestinian Life, Peace, Photo JOurnalism, Photojournalist, Pieces, Political Art, Revolutionary Art, Scrawl, street art, Tags, Throw ups, West Bank, wheatpaste | Leave a Comment »
