The Last Exhibition of a Palestinian Artist in His Homeland

An exhibition titled “The Lost Paintings: A Prelude to Return” is now open in Montreal, commemorating the 53 oil paintings by Maroun Tomb that were lost when Haifa was annexed in 1947. Curated by Rula Khoury, Joëlle Tomb, and Haidi Motola, the exhibition features works across various disciplines by 53 artists, responding to Tomb’s lost creations. Initiated in 2021, the exhibition tackles themes of loss and cultural erasure against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Gaza. Joëlle Tomb’s research unveiled her grandfather’s hidden legacy as an artist in Palestine, sparking the exhibition’s genesis. The artists involved, many of whom hail from Palestine, reimagine and respond to Tomb’s lost art, mixing memory with imagination. This exhibition stands as both a tribute to Tomb and a broader reflection on cultural preservation amid adversity.