Palestinian News Network (PNN) : "Painting the music and language of the people: Palestinian artists create murals throughout Silwan"

Painting the music and language of the people: Palestinian artists create murals throughout Silwan

16.06.09 - 10:42

Jerusalem / Maisa Abu Ghazaleh for PNN - New murals on the walls throughout East Jerusalem's Silwan pose a challenge to occupation and a message of solidarity with the people who face threats of demolition.

The occupying Israeli administration has distributed notices to tens of Palestinians to leave their homes in the Al Bustan area of the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan. A solidarity tent has become a symbol of Palestinian nonviolent resistance.

In a another move of solidarity and resistance 30 artists have come from Palestinian cities and villages within Israeli boundaries. They are painting murals throughout the area. Residents say their use of color and images instill hope in the hearts of children and adults. The murals contain images of life, including photographs, the fruits of trees, pictures of animals and landscapes. 
 
These activities are a collaborative effort between the People's Committee of Jerusalem as Capital of Arab Culture and a local development foundation.
 
Local Ihab said of the artists: they will work to ensure that the walls represent the character of the Arab Muslim population of the neighborhood, and will act to boost the morale of the residents of Al Bustan as they face Israeli threats. 
 
One of the artists said today that the use of color is intrinsic to bring hope and beauty into a desperate situation. “The graphics are in vibrant colors to enrich and brighten the Bustan area in Silwan.” 
 
Ahmed Mahmoud, director of the local development foundation said that the artists want to express the concerns of the residents of Al Bustan and to stand in solidarity with them. “The city is going through difficult times following the filing of successive demolition orders directed at the residents. People inside the village are part of Jerusalem, but the Israeli policies effectively aim to consolidate their presence into an enclave. I cannot stress more the need for the steadfastness of the people of Silwan and Al Bustan, and the need for people to unite to repel the schemes sponsored by the Jewish mayor.” 
 
He noted that he would consider hiring the artists annually to participate in similar campaigns, noting that earlier projects in the area have seen success.
 
Speaking to the press representatives of the artists expressed the desire to create an atmosphere that will support steadfastness and inspire the spirit of hope in the hearts of the people of the neighborhood.
The design artist Khalil Ryan created a mural using fruit as a symbol of beauty and firmness and strength, calling the people of Al Bustan to persevere in the struggle for their homes. 
 
Another artist painted a natural garden area, using bright color, he said, as a way to give hope. 
 
While working on an image of a horse, artist Karim Abu Shakra said ...........

http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5780