A hole in the wall for Palestine’s whole story
A piece of concrete can be a life changing reality. Palestinians realised this truth when Israel built the Separation Wall around the West Bank. It physically separated the two territories and divided the ancient land like never before.
While Israel labelled the decision as a “necessity to prohibit acts of terrorism emerging from the Palestinian side,” Palesti-nians, who rechristened it as the Apartheid Wall, saw it as a notorious existence. They believed that it provided Israel the authority to confine the Palestinian population and restrict their movement, to confiscate their land and separate families who live on the other side of the divide.
As Israel continues to extend this wall, Palestinians continue to protest and oppose its existence. The controversial wall has evoked a creative response from Palestinian artist Khaled Jarrar, whose artistic vision has transformed into a thought-provoking exhibition titled, “Whole in the Wall”. The multimedia collection was recently on display at London’s Ayyam Gallery.
“This body of work, which includes a new site-specific participatory installation, is inspired by everyday events and experiences. The practice incorporates performance, video, photography and sculpture to document my observations on life in an occupied Palestine. The restrictions imposed on me and my fellow citizens have become the catalyst and subject of ‘Whole in the Wall’,” said Khaled.
An element of surprise awaited the visitors as they stepped in at the Ayyam gallery. The Ramallah-based artist had constructed an imposing wall, symbolising the “Separation wall” that extended along the entire length of the gallery.
Khaled of course had his reasons for creating a replica of the “famously infamous wall”. Underlining the reasons, the artist says, “It’s a minor and momentary sample of the harrowing experiences of everyday life in Palestine.”
“In order to pass through the wall visitors will have to clamber through a hole shaped like Palestine — an allegory for the process endured by people crossing the apartheid wall in the West Bank in order to reach their homes in Palestine,” he points out
Khaled’s creativity comes with a touch of authenticity as he shares a startling fact, “I had cut pieces from the Separation Wall and got them shipped to London. Once it reached the destination, I smashed the pieces and mixed them into cement, which I then made into the wall.”
The 37-year-old artist, who is a former captain of the Palestinian Presidential Guard, is aware of the implication of his actions. Yet clearly exhibiting a daring defiance, he said, “I am an artist… if the Israeli government puts me in jail, I will continue to nurture my creativity there.” Like his people, Khaled hopes the wall will one day cease to exist.
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