Children’s insight into war in Gaza
HeART of Gaza, an exhibition of children’s art from the genocide, comes to Nenagh Arts Centre on February 21.
What started as a WhatsApp exchange of children’s art between friends, Féile Butler in Sligo and Mohammed Timraz in central Gaza, has grown into the global phenomenon, HeART of Gaza.
In June 2024, one particular drawing by Mohammed’s seven-year old niece stopped Féile in her tracks. Depicting a trapped family under fire from tank and fighter jet missiles, she instantly knew that this painful insight into the lives of the most vulnerable, the most impacted and the most voiceless in this genocide had to be shared. Just 4 weeks later, the first HeART of Gaza exhibition launched in Sligo.
Showcasing artworks by Palestinian children aged three to 17, HeART of Gaza explores themes of violence and displacement, of lost childhood and lost loved ones, of friendships and memories, of surprising heroes and defiant hope. Each piece is accompanied by a statement from the young artist, communicating directly with us from the hellscape that is Gaza.
Via social media, the project quickly captured the imagination of solidarity groups around the world. There have been over 50 collaborative exhibitions to date, from Chicago to London, from Berlin to Rome. In Ireland, a hugely profound outing at Electric Picnic 2024 was followed by a second Sligo show.
The success of HeART of Gaza has allowed Mohammed and his team to build a dedicated space for children’s art workshops, The Artists’ Tent, in Deir al Balah, central Gaza.
Genocide is a consequence of the absolute dehumanisation of a people. HeART of Gaza endeavours to reverse this narrative. The art is not random art. The children are not numbers. We are invited to get to know the young artists intimately, as they share their individual struggles and fears, their hopes and their dreams.
Visitors are encouraged to create their own artwork (all materials provided) in response. Workshops will be open to the public on Saturday, February 22, and Saturday, March 1. These pieces are scanned and sent back for exhibition in The Artists’ Tent. Transcending physical and language barriers, this two-way dialogue lets the children in Gaza know that they are truly seen, heard and valued.
TESTIMONIALS ON THE ART
‘To see the art from children, and the language of children, just touches very differently. It’s so beautiful and so incredibly moving’ - James
‘It’s very powerful to see a little glimpse of what these kids are seeing’ - Nico
OPENING NIGHT
Opening night at Nenagh Arts Centre promises to be a celebration of art, hope and cultural activities. Launching at 7.30pm, this compelling body of work will be on display until March 1.
Entry is free. Donations are encouraged to ‘We Are Not Alone’, Mohammed’s grass roots campaign providing food, clean water, clothing, tents, financial aid and medicine to his community in Deir al Balah.
FURTHER DETAILS
Visit https://www.instagram.com/heart.of.gaza