The Palestinian Art Exhibit kicked off on May 6 at the Korbel School of International Studies. The goal of the exhibit was to create more discussion inside and outside of the classrooms here at DU regarding the conflict in Gaza.

Around 35 members of the DU and local community attended opening night to view Palestinian art and learn about the culture and history of the Palestinian people. 

The art exhibit presented a multitude of artistic pieces in media ranging from embroidery, charcoal drawings and examples of Palestinian dress. 

The works of Yaqeen Yamani, a Yemeni Palestinian artist, were on display at the art exhibit. Her works included a piece containing 18 text messages sent to Palestinians living in the U.S. during the Oct. 7 attack. Yamani’s work is a collective art piece done by reaching out to Palestinians living in the US who have received a multitude of “checking in” emails and text messages since Oct. 7. 

Palestinian embroidery, or tatreez, has a long tradition in many Palestinian villages for centuries and is passed through generations of women. The art exhibit displayed examples of tatreez from Raba Yusuf, a Palestinian woman who started learning embroidery at a young age from her mother.

On opening night, a tatreez workshop was held to explain what patterns in the embroidery meant and how it is a form of language. 

The exhibit had pieces of jewelry on display that were made by an artist who goes by “Zand.” Zand is a Persian artist who donates 20% of each purchase towards aid and relief efforts in Palestine. 

A slideshow was also on display that highlighted other prominent Palestinian artists, examples of Palestinian poetry and photojournalism depicting life for Palestinians in the current geopolitical climate. 

The art exhibit concluded on May 10, but the Korbel School will be holding more events in May in solidarity for Palestine. 

On May 14, the Korbel school will have a screening of the movie “Fara’ at 5 p.m. and on May 24, there will be a Palestinian Voices Panel. 

Like the art exhibit, these events aim to illuminate the realities of ongoing violence and systemic injustice, challenging narratives and sparking critical dialogue within global communities.