Palestine in Paintings: Through the Eyes of Egyptian Artists

Since the Nakba in 1948, the oppression endured by Palestinians has stirred the emotions of artists worldwide, particularly Egyptian artists. Since then, Egyptians have expressed solidarity with Palestine in various ways, each according to their means, beyond the realm of politics - through works on paper, canvas, records, and the silver screen.

One of the most prominent ways Egyptian artists have shown their support for the Palestinian nation is through painting. There are countless examples of this form of artistic solidarity, and selecting just a few paintings is a daunting mission. Each artwork stands as a manifestation of the artist's unique style, offering an authentic reflection of their emotions toward this deeply-felt struggle.

Al-Fedayie (Freedom Fighter) by Inji Aflattoun (1970)

Inji Aflattoun belonged to a generation that witnessed the Palestinian struggle and the brutal nature of the occupying forces through its various pivotal phases - beginning with the Arab revolt in 1936 through to the first Intifada. Aflattoun, a devout leftist, was passionately committed to the Palestinian cause. She not only believed in resistance but also in the transformative power of the art of resistance.

‘The Soldier’ embodies the spirit of "Al Fedayieen" - Palestinian resistance fighters inspired by guerrilla liberation movements in Algeria, Latin America, Vietnam and China. These fighters emerged after the Nakba, determined to liberate their land through armed resistance. In Aflattoun's painting, we see a fighter (Fedayie) engaged in the battle to defend his nation. The figure lies on the ground, his head wrapped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh, dressed in shades of red that symbolise strength and resilience. As he waits for the enemy's approach, Aflattoun's choice to depict him lying down highlights his unwavering determination to fight, unafraid of the approaching enemy.

Al-Sarkha (The Scream) by Fatma Eissa (2023)

In contemporary artist Fatma Eissa’s ‘The Scream’, time halts at a harrowing moment of agony. A young girl clutches her dead sibling, wrapped in a shroud, her scream of anguish piercing the air. At that moment, time stands still. Everything behind her is bathed in yellow, evoking flames and destruction. Even her clothes reflect this scene, symbolising the devastation of war and the inner turmoil she feels.

Fatma Eissa’s choice to depict a little girl, rather than a woman, reflects the profound toll war inflicts on children, who endure the harshest forms of loss from an early age, aging decades in a single day and night. This choice is brutal, yet the reality is far harsher.

Atfal Al-Hegara (The Children of Stones) by Helmy El-Touny (1987)

Helmy El-Touny dedicated much of his artistic career to depicting the Palestinian cause. His extensive body of work warrants a discussion in its own right, as it is nearly impossible to choose a single painting from the numerous heartfelt pieces he created for this cause. The painting presented here is a rare glimpse into an aspect of the Palestinian struggle not often seen outside its borders.

El-Touny captures the essence of the First Intifada (1987-1993), known as Intifadat Al-Hegara (The Uprising of Stones), from a rarely-explored perspective. This uprising saw Palestinian children rise against the occupying forces, armed with little more than stones. For the first time, children directly participated in resistance, using this simple, yet powerful tool to defy heavily armed military forces. These young revolutionaries came to be known as Atfal Al-Hegara (Children of Stones).

In his painting, El-Touny poignantly portrays the very early days of this brave resistance, capturing the image of children, still cradled in their mothers’ arms, embodying the beginning of a new generation of freedom fighters. The painting emphasises the vital role of mothers in Palestinian society, who nurture and raise the next generation of resistance and hope.

Zawag Falastini (Palestinian Wedding) by Mohamed Khattab (2023)

In the occupied West Bank, one of the most oppressive practices carried out by Israeli forces is raiding Palestinian weddings. This act, often occurring without clear justification, reflects a deeper resentment towards the joy and celebration of Palestinians. Such raids have been a longstanding tactic of the occupation, but they have intensified following the events of October 7th.

Surrounded by roses, flowers and music, and dressed in garments adorned with traditional prints, Khattab makes a powerful statement about the resilience of life in the face of colonial oppression. The wedding, symbolising the beginning of new life and the act of giving life, stands as a metaphor for hope and continuity. In the foreground, historical buildings represent Palestine’s rich heritage and history, standing in stark contrast to the absence of such landmarks and heritage in the history of its colonisers. It’s a symbol of steadfastness - a colourful reminder that holding onto life and never giving up hope is a form of resistance against oppression.

(UNTITLED, 2023) by Fatma Eissa

The Israeli aggression on Gaza has taken a devastating toll, particularly on children: 13,000 killed, an estimated 25,000 injured, and over 38,000 orphaned. Hundreds of thousands are also facing severe malnutrition. These harrowing figures are likely the bare minimum, as the actual numbers are expected to be higher; Israel has targeted and dismantled Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, making it impossible to keep an accurate count.

In this mournful painting, Young Egyptian artist Fatma Eissa captures one of the most heart-wrenching consequences of war - a Palestinian woman cradling her martyred child. Every element of the painting is steeped in symbolism, with the colours of the Palestinian flag woven throughout: the woman’s green abaya, the white shroud of her child, and the red headscarf, which seems to bleed, echoing the unrelenting pain and loss that war inflicts. This imagery reflects not just the physical loss, but the lifelong emotional wound that the woman will carry. The stark, brutal black background serves as a powerful metaphor for the horrors of war, deepening the impact of this already devastating portrait.

Baqoon Ma Baqya Al Zaytoun (We will remain as long as the olive trees remain) by Samaher Alaa (2023)

The Right of Return has long been a central theme in countless artistic works that speak to the Palestinian cause. It symbolises the passing down of keys to ancestral homes from one generation to the next - homes once occupied by settlers since the Nakba. This act reflects an unyielding love for their land and country, a devotion that endures at any cost. Even Palestinians living abroad continue to dream of returning, carrying with them the hope and determination of generations past.

Egyptian artist Samaher Alaa’s painting poignantly reflects Palestine's resilience, embodied by a Palestinian woman dressed in blue, symbolising both the river and the sea. Soaring birds represent freedom, while the blood-red background evokes the deep sacrifices of the Palestinian people. A key, prominently featured, signifies the Right of Return. In the upper corner of the painting, the phrase "We will remain as long as the olive trees remain" serves as a poignant reminder of Palestine’s enduring heritage, culture, and tradition. The olive tree - an iconic symbol of Palestine, much like the cedar trees of Lebanon - stands as a testament to the nation’s rich history and unyielding perseverance.

Falastin (Palestine) by Niha Hetta (2023)

Niha Hetta’s painting powerfully captures the destruction and tragedy wrought by the occupation. The intense, fiery colours symbolise the volcanic rage within the Palestinian soul, while also reflecting the carpet bombing inflicted by occupying forces, evident in the destroyed, crumbling homes scattered throughout the portrait. In the midst of this turmoil stands a Palestinian resistance fighter, clad in traditional Palestinian attire. With his back turned, he faces Al-Aqsa Mosque, symbolising Jerusalem and Palestine’s Arab identity at its core. His stance signals an unwavering commitment to the struggle for freedom, despite the brutal violence. The painting is a mesmerising display of chaos, interwoven with symbols of hope - keys to return, fragments of Palestinian flags, birds of freedom, destroyed homes, and olive branches - all converging to encapsulate the essence of the Palestinian struggle.

Falastin (Palestine), Street Art (Artist Unknown) (2024)

Even beyond professional artists, beyond the need for high-end galleries, showrooms or pricey tools, Egyptians have taken to the streets and used it as an open canvas to express their solidarity with Palestine.

As long as the Palestinian struggle endures, Egyptian artists will continue to reflect it through various mediums. Egypt and Palestine are not just close in proximity; they are bound by a deep emotional connection, one that is constantly reflected in their culture, whether or not a crisis is unfolding. The Palestinian cause is passed down through generations, ingrained in the hearts and minds of the Egyptian people who carry it forward with unwavering solidarity.