“Palestinian Creators Introduce ‘Gaza Biennale’ to Highlight Resilience and Innovation [Interview]”

**The Gaza Biennale: A Testament to Creativity, Resilience, and Humanity Amid War**

In the midst of hardship, where devastation aims to stifle expression, the unyielding spirit of Palestinian artists in Gaza emerges as a symbol of hope and innovation. Defying the odds, a group of over 40 creatives, navigating through ruins and incessant hurdles, is undertaking an exceptional endeavor to establish the *Gaza Biennale,* a pioneering cultural event ready to act as both a form of resistance and a tribute to survival.

Currently in its funding stage, the Gaza Biennale aspires not only to elevate Palestinian artistry but also to deliver a powerful global message: despite conflict, suffering, and blockades, the creative spirit persists. Planned for 2024, this project calls upon partner organizations within and outside Gaza to host exhibitions and events that highlight the poignant, impactful, and intimate artworks of these artists.

### Art as Resistance, Expression, and Identity

“No war can halt the aspirations of visionaries, and no forces of oppression can dim the light within the hearts and minds of creators,” proclaims the manifesto on the Gaza Biennale’s official site. This phrase embodies the core philosophy of the initiative: art as a mechanism for resilience, a medium for storytelling, and a way of preserving history in one of the most volatile and politically charged areas worldwide.

The debut Biennale is anticipated to showcase tangible works from Palestinian artists who have managed to escape Gaza or dispatch their pieces abroad through aid workers, alongside digital reproductions and remote installations created by those constrained within the besieged enclave. Beyond mere aesthetics, the event carries a broader mission—amplifying Palestinian narratives and ensuring they resonate across cultures, borders, and political barriers.

According to *The Guardian,* several artists have sought temporary sanctuary in Egypt, where they continue to create, while many remain in Gaza, laboring to innovate amid scarcity and devastation. For these creatives, the act of making art transcends traditional personal expression; it becomes a vital thread for cultural preservation, a testament to humanity, and an act of rebellion against oppression.

### Why the Gaza Biennale Matters: Voices from the Artists

Three participating artists offer distinct perspectives on the importance of the Gaza Biennale and the function of art in their lives. These compelling narratives highlight the event’s significance, not only for its participants but for the international audience it aims to engage.

#### **Ahmed Adnan: “A Lifeline for Art in Gaza”**

For artist Ahmed Adnan, the Gaza Biennale signifies “a genuine lifeline for art in Gaza.” He considers the event a crucial outlet for presenting the creations of Palestinian artists to the world, nurturing connections across generations and forging bonds that transcend Gaza’s borders. Adnan stresses that the Biennale is essential for capturing the essence of existence in Gaza, chronicling both its struggles and its beauty.

Referring to creativity as “a third lung,” he underlines that art serves as a universal tongue, bridging divides of language and interpretation. For Adnan, art is central to Gaza’s identity: a tool for recording, resisting, and sharing the narratives of Gaza’s past and future.

#### **Maysa Yousef: “A Message of Resilience”**

Maysa Yousef perceives the Biennale as an audacious act of hope and humanity amidst what she deems an ongoing genocide. She characterizes the process of creating art during conflict as one born from scarcity and fragility, often utilizing the scant resources remaining in a ravaged setting.

Yousef compares the role of the artist to that of a photographer, observing and recording history through a deeply personal perspective. For her, art is a testament to shared and individual hardships, preserving truths that are frequently overlooked. “Our creations will traverse the globe to narrate and document every story we have lived,” she insists, emphasizing the potency of art as a record against the erasure of identity and cultural heritage.

#### **Motaz Naim: “Transforming Pain Into Beauty”**

Motaz Naim describes the Biennale as a link between Gaza and the wider global community, highlighting Palestinian adversities and their unrelenting hope. For Naim, the Biennale serves as a declaration of humanity—a reminder to the world that Palestinians are not merely statistics in grim news headlines but individuals with rich narratives, culture, and aspirations.

He perceives art as a means of survival and a formidable form of resistance. Through their creations, Palestinian artists document their experiences, safeguarding their identity and converting sorrow into profound expressions of beauty and resilience. “Creating art affirms our capacity to challenge tragedy,” Naim articulates, “and conveys a deeply humanitarian message of hope.”

### Art in the Face of Adversity: The Role of the Biennale

The Gaza Biennale is far more than merely an art showcase; it is a cultural and political declaration, a rallying call for justice,