The Lost Paintings: Resurrecting an Exhibition Lost to the 1948 Nakba

The Lost Paintings, a Prelude to Return is an imagined recreation of the last exhibition held in Palestine by Palestinian-Lebanese artist Maroun Tomb, which opened on November 29, 1947, in Haifa. This significant date coincided with the UN’s approval of the Partition Plan of Palestine, an event that ignited the war and subsequent events known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” during which approximately 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homeland. Shortly after the opening, Tomb and his family were forced into exile and never allowed to return to their homes. The fate of the 53 oil paintings presented in the exhibition, as well as most of Tomb’s pre-1948 body of work, was lost to the war and its ensuing chaos.

Maroun Tomb

The Lost Paintings project will convene 53 artists from across Palestine and the diaspora to each create their own interpretation of a single lost painting from the original exhibition, based on the few remaining records – the invitation to the 1947 opening and an inventory of the paintings displayed. While each artist brings a unique perspective, together, The Lost Paintings represents an effort to resurrect what was lost to the Nakba, serving as a humble prelude to the refugees’ anticipated return and an effort to reclaim a space for making that return a reality. This project underscores the power of art as a tool for resistance, providing a platform for reclaiming a stolen heritage through creative expression.

Showcasing the forefront of contemporary Palestinian art from across the world, the project brings together emerging young artists alongside established contemporaries and celebrated pioneers. Tracing the memory of paintings lost to the Nakba, The Lost Paintings examines loss and destruction on one hand, and the power of imagination and art in shaping new futures on the other. Through this artistic endeavor, the project emphasizes the resilience of a culture that refuses to be erased and highlights the indomitable spirit of Palestinian art.

This project started with the aim of highlighting the ongoing Nakba in Palestine, focusing on the cultural erasure and destruction, and resisting it by means of art. In the horror of witnessing the genocidal war on Gaza and the tens of thousands of lost lives, and the countless people doomed to become refugees for the second, third, or more times, there is a debilitating sense of futility in the face of the inconceivable death and destruction. Yet, this is countered by the momentous urgency of connecting the dots between the silenced past and the present. Through art, The Lost Paintings channels this urgency into a powerful act of defiance, turning creativity into a form of resistance.

By bringing together a diverse array of artists to reinterpret Maroun Tomb’s lost works, The Lost Paintings project not only resurrects a piece of Palestinian cultural history but also challenges the forces that seek to erase it. The artists’ reinterpretations serve as vivid reminders that the cultural and historical narratives of Palestine are alive and thriving, despite attempts to suppress them. The act of creating new art from the remnants of the past stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to resist, reclaim, and rebuild.

In the face of ongoing conflict and displacement, The Lost Paintings reaffirms the role of art in preserving and revitalizing cultural heritage. It is a bold statement that art can transcend the barriers of time and space, offering hope and resilience to those who have been dispossessed. Through this collective effort, the project envisions a future where the stories, dreams, and identities lost to the Nakba are not only remembered but also celebrated and carried forward by new generations of artists.

The Lost Paintings, therefore, serves as a crucial artistic endeavor, weaving together the threads of historical memory and contemporary resistance. It embodies the resilience of Palestinian culture and the unyielding hope for a future where the refugees’ return is not just an imagined recreation, but a tangible reality. Through art, this project not only mourns what has been lost but also envisions what can still be reclaimed and rebuilt.

If you are interested in supporting this project and helping it become a reality, please consider making a donation. Your support, regardless of the amount, will make a significant impact.

The post The Lost Paintings: Resurrecting an Exhibition Lost to the 1948 Nakba first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

The Lost Paintings: Resurrecting an Exhibition Lost to the 1948 Nakba

The Lost Paintings, a Prelude to Return is an imagined recreation of the last exhibition held in Palestine by Palestinian-Lebanese artist Maroun Tomb, which opened on November 29, 1947, in Haifa. This significant date coincided with the UN’s approval of the Partition Plan of Palestine, an event that ignited the war and subsequent events known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” during which approximately 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homeland. Shortly after the opening, Tomb and his family were forced into exile and never allowed to return to their homes. The fate of the 53 oil paintings presented in the exhibition, as well as most of Tomb’s pre-1948 body of work, was lost to the war and its ensuing chaos.

Maroun Tomb

The Lost Paintings project will convene 53 artists from across Palestine and the diaspora to each create their own interpretation of a single lost painting from the original exhibition, based on the few remaining records – the invitation to the 1947 opening and an inventory of the paintings displayed. While each artist brings a unique perspective, together, The Lost Paintings represents an effort to resurrect what was lost to the Nakba, serving as a humble prelude to the refugees’ anticipated return and an effort to reclaim a space for making that return a reality. This project underscores the power of art as a tool for resistance, providing a platform for reclaiming a stolen heritage through creative expression.

Showcasing the forefront of contemporary Palestinian art from across the world, the project brings together emerging young artists alongside established contemporaries and celebrated pioneers. Tracing the memory of paintings lost to the Nakba, The Lost Paintings examines loss and destruction on one hand, and the power of imagination and art in shaping new futures on the other. Through this artistic endeavor, the project emphasizes the resilience of a culture that refuses to be erased and highlights the indomitable spirit of Palestinian art.

This project started with the aim of highlighting the ongoing Nakba in Palestine, focusing on the cultural erasure and destruction, and resisting it by means of art. In the horror of witnessing the genocidal war on Gaza and the tens of thousands of lost lives, and the countless people doomed to become refugees for the second, third, or more times, there is a debilitating sense of futility in the face of the inconceivable death and destruction. Yet, this is countered by the momentous urgency of connecting the dots between the silenced past and the present. Through art, The Lost Paintings channels this urgency into a powerful act of defiance, turning creativity into a form of resistance.

By bringing together a diverse array of artists to reinterpret Maroun Tomb’s lost works, The Lost Paintings project not only resurrects a piece of Palestinian cultural history but also challenges the forces that seek to erase it. The artists’ reinterpretations serve as vivid reminders that the cultural and historical narratives of Palestine are alive and thriving, despite attempts to suppress them. The act of creating new art from the remnants of the past stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to resist, reclaim, and rebuild.

In the face of ongoing conflict and displacement, The Lost Paintings reaffirms the role of art in preserving and revitalizing cultural heritage. It is a bold statement that art can transcend the barriers of time and space, offering hope and resilience to those who have been dispossessed. Through this collective effort, the project envisions a future where the stories, dreams, and identities lost to the Nakba are not only remembered but also celebrated and carried forward by new generations of artists.

The Lost Paintings, therefore, serves as a crucial artistic endeavor, weaving together the threads of historical memory and contemporary resistance. It embodies the resilience of Palestinian culture and the unyielding hope for a future where the refugees’ return is not just an imagined recreation, but a tangible reality. Through art, this project not only mourns what has been lost but also envisions what can still be reclaimed and rebuilt.

If you are interested in supporting this project and helping it become a reality, please consider making a donation. Your support, regardless of the amount, will make a significant impact.

The post The Lost Paintings: Resurrecting an Exhibition Lost to the 1948 Nakba first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Pejac Returns to London with Two New Urban Artworks for HOPE Project

Following the iconic Downside Up on the lampposts of Shoreditch in 2016, renowned street artist Pejac has made a striking return to the streets of London with two new urban artworks. These pieces are part of HOPE, a pioneering print project in collaboration with Avant Arte.

The collaboration follows a month-long residency by Pejac at Make-Ready, Avant Arte’s London-based print studio. This residency provided Pejac with the opportunity to experiment and create within a dedicated space, culminating in the upcoming launch of the HOPE project later this summer.

The first mural, titled ICARUS, is located in Bethnal Green. This piece serves as a metaphor for contemporary life in the big city. Much like the classic fable of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his demise, the mural depicts the ambition and burnout many experience in urban environments. It reflects the pressures and aspirations of city life, reminding viewers of the delicate balance between ambition and well-being.

The second artwork, titled LINE, can be found in Tottenham. This mural features a group of tiny people walking in a line towards a huge drain. Despite the clear danger, they continue their path towards the drain instead of circumventing it. The artwork symbolizes the lack of perspective and critical thinking that can lead individuals to take unnecessary risks. It serves as a poignant commentary on human behavior and societal norms.

Pejac’s latest works continue to challenge perceptions and inspire dialogue, embodying the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines both his art and the collaborative efforts of Avant Arte. The HOPE project signifies a unique blend of urban art and print, aiming to bring Pejac’s thought-provoking pieces to a broader audience.

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The post Pejac Returns to London with Two New Urban Artworks for HOPE Project first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Pejac Returns to London with Two New Urban Artworks for HOPE Project

Following the iconic Downside Up on the lampposts of Shoreditch in 2016, renowned street artist Pejac has made a striking return to the streets of London with two new urban artworks. These pieces are part of HOPE, a pioneering print project in collaboration with Avant Arte.

The collaboration follows a month-long residency by Pejac at Make-Ready, Avant Arte’s London-based print studio. This residency provided Pejac with the opportunity to experiment and create within a dedicated space, culminating in the upcoming launch of the HOPE project later this summer.

The first mural, titled ICARUS, is located in Bethnal Green. This piece serves as a metaphor for contemporary life in the big city. Much like the classic fable of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his demise, the mural depicts the ambition and burnout many experience in urban environments. It reflects the pressures and aspirations of city life, reminding viewers of the delicate balance between ambition and well-being.

The second artwork, titled LINE, can be found in Tottenham. This mural features a group of tiny people walking in a line towards a huge drain. Despite the clear danger, they continue their path towards the drain instead of circumventing it. The artwork symbolizes the lack of perspective and critical thinking that can lead individuals to take unnecessary risks. It serves as a poignant commentary on human behavior and societal norms.

Pejac’s latest works continue to challenge perceptions and inspire dialogue, embodying the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines both his art and the collaborative efforts of Avant Arte. The HOPE project signifies a unique blend of urban art and print, aiming to bring Pejac’s thought-provoking pieces to a broader audience.

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The post Pejac Returns to London with Two New Urban Artworks for HOPE Project first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Kevin Ledo Paints a Mural at a Special Needs Kids School in Fall River, MA

Kevin Ledo, a Montreal-based Canadian artist, has recently completed a stunning mural at a public school in Fall River, Massachusetts. This captivating piece aims to make the idea of going to school a more enticing and exciting experience for children.

The mural features a larger-than-life portrait of Jeram, a 4-year-old preschool student, surrounded by vibrant abstract shapes, stars, and a rocket ship. Painted on the walls of Stone Day School, a special needs institution, the artwork is designed to inspire curiosity and positivity among all who attend the school, including teachers.

Ledo’s intention behind this piece is to create an environment where children feel welcomed and motivated. The bright smile of young Jeram, depicted in the mural, is a beacon of joy and encouragement, symbolizing the boundless potential and enthusiasm that education can ignite.

In his endeavor, Kevin Ledo extends his gratitude to Samantha Robison, acknowledging her solid assistance and support on every level. He also thanks the Fall River Public Schools for embracing the idea of public art and recognizing its significant role in children’s education and overall development.

By transforming the school’s environment with his vibrant and uplifting artwork, Kevin Ledo not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Stone Day School but also contributes to a positive and inspiring atmosphere for its students and staff.

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The post Kevin Ledo Paints a Mural at a Special Needs Kids School in Fall River, MA first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Kevin Ledo Paints a Mural at a Special Needs Kids School in Fall River, MA

Kevin Ledo, a Montreal-based Canadian artist, has recently completed a stunning mural at a public school in Fall River, Massachusetts. This captivating piece aims to make the idea of going to school a more enticing and exciting experience for children.

The mural features a larger-than-life portrait of Jeram, a 4-year-old preschool student, surrounded by vibrant abstract shapes, stars, and a rocket ship. Painted on the walls of Stone Day School, a special needs institution, the artwork is designed to inspire curiosity and positivity among all who attend the school, including teachers.

Ledo’s intention behind this piece is to create an environment where children feel welcomed and motivated. The bright smile of young Jeram, depicted in the mural, is a beacon of joy and encouragement, symbolizing the boundless potential and enthusiasm that education can ignite.

In his endeavor, Kevin Ledo extends his gratitude to Samantha Robison, acknowledging her solid assistance and support on every level. He also thanks the Fall River Public Schools for embracing the idea of public art and recognizing its significant role in children’s education and overall development.

By transforming the school’s environment with his vibrant and uplifting artwork, Kevin Ledo not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Stone Day School but also contributes to a positive and inspiring atmosphere for its students and staff.

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The post Kevin Ledo Paints a Mural at a Special Needs Kids School in Fall River, MA first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Cbloxx’s Mural in Aberdeen: A Tribute to Scotland’s Pictish Heritage

The streets of Aberdeen, Scotland, have been recently graced by a stunning mural by Cbloxx aka Jay Gilleard, an acclaimed English muralist, painter, and multidisciplinary artist. This remarkable piece, curated by Nuart Aberdeen, showcases Cbloxx’s exceptional talent and deep-rooted interest in historical narratives.

Photo by Clarke Joss Photography

In anticipation of the Nuart Aberdeen festival, Cbloxx embarked on an in-depth exploration of Scotland’s ancient native people, the Picts. As Cbloxx explains, “On the run up to Nuart Aberdeen I began researching ancient native people of Scotland, in particular the Picts, a vanished nation, chronicled by Vikings and Romans but not by themselves. The Picts communicate their own existence to us only through their carved stones which are intensely scattered across Aberdeenshire and the east. The last pagans in Scotland before religious conversion, displacement, and cultural erasure.”

Photo by Brian Tallman

This historical inquiry into the Picts significantly influenced Cbloxx’s mural, which captures the essence of this enigmatic group. The mural serves as a visual narrative, connecting modern viewers with a civilization that once thrived in Scotland, now known primarily through their intricate stone carvings.

Photo by Brian Tallman

Cbloxx’s mural work is characterized by their masterful use of aerosol, a medium they have perfected over 18 years. Their technique involves layering fine freehand details to achieve a striking realism, particularly in portraiture. This approach imbues their work with an otherworldly quality, bringing to life faces that radiate triumph, resilience, and passion. Often, these portraits echo the voices of those who have been historically silenced, making Cbloxx’s art a powerful medium for social and cultural commentary.

Cbloxx is best known for co-founding Nomad Clan, an internationally celebrated street art duo that gained fame for painting the tallest mural in the UK. Over the years, Cbloxx has carved a niche in the art world with their unique style and thought-provoking works.

Photo by Brian Tallman

The core of Cbloxx’s artistry lies in its ability to transcend time and cultural boundaries, fostering a deep sense of connection between the community and the environment. Their murals do more than adorn walls; they create immersive experiences that encourage viewers to reflect on historical and contemporary issues alike.

Photo by Brian Tallman

Currently, Cbloxx divides their time between the serene wilderness of the Yorkshire Pennines and the dynamic landscape of Los Angeles. After spending eight transformative years touring the globe with Nomad Clan, they resumed their solo practice in 2020. This period of independent work has allowed Cbloxx to further develop their artistic voice and explore new creative horizons.

Cbloxx’s mural in Aberdeen is not just a piece of art; it is a bridge connecting us to the Picts’ ancient world, inviting viewers to engage with history in a deeply personal way. Through their exceptional skill and evocative imagery, Cbloxx continues to enrich public spaces and inspire communities around the world.

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The post Cbloxx’s Mural in Aberdeen: A Tribute to Scotland’s Pictish Heritage first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Cbloxx’s Mural in Aberdeen: A Tribute to Scotland’s Pictish Heritage

The streets of Aberdeen, Scotland, have been recently graced by a stunning mural by Cbloxx aka Jay Gilleard, an acclaimed English muralist, painter, and multidisciplinary artist. This remarkable piece, curated by Nuart Aberdeen, showcases Cbloxx’s exceptional talent and deep-rooted interest in historical narratives.

Photo by Clarke Joss Photography

In anticipation of the Nuart Aberdeen festival, Cbloxx embarked on an in-depth exploration of Scotland’s ancient native people, the Picts. As Cbloxx explains, “On the run up to Nuart Aberdeen I began researching ancient native people of Scotland, in particular the Picts, a vanished nation, chronicled by Vikings and Romans but not by themselves. The Picts communicate their own existence to us only through their carved stones which are intensely scattered across Aberdeenshire and the east. The last pagans in Scotland before religious conversion, displacement, and cultural erasure.”

Photo by Brian Tallman

This historical inquiry into the Picts significantly influenced Cbloxx’s mural, which captures the essence of this enigmatic group. The mural serves as a visual narrative, connecting modern viewers with a civilization that once thrived in Scotland, now known primarily through their intricate stone carvings.

Photo by Brian Tallman

Cbloxx’s mural work is characterized by their masterful use of aerosol, a medium they have perfected over 18 years. Their technique involves layering fine freehand details to achieve a striking realism, particularly in portraiture. This approach imbues their work with an otherworldly quality, bringing to life faces that radiate triumph, resilience, and passion. Often, these portraits echo the voices of those who have been historically silenced, making Cbloxx’s art a powerful medium for social and cultural commentary.

Cbloxx is best known for co-founding Nomad Clan, an internationally celebrated street art duo that gained fame for painting the tallest mural in the UK. Over the years, Cbloxx has carved a niche in the art world with their unique style and thought-provoking works.

Photo by Brian Tallman

The core of Cbloxx’s artistry lies in its ability to transcend time and cultural boundaries, fostering a deep sense of connection between the community and the environment. Their murals do more than adorn walls; they create immersive experiences that encourage viewers to reflect on historical and contemporary issues alike.

Photo by Brian Tallman

Currently, Cbloxx divides their time between the serene wilderness of the Yorkshire Pennines and the dynamic landscape of Los Angeles. After spending eight transformative years touring the globe with Nomad Clan, they resumed their solo practice in 2020. This period of independent work has allowed Cbloxx to further develop their artistic voice and explore new creative horizons.

Cbloxx’s mural in Aberdeen is not just a piece of art; it is a bridge connecting us to the Picts’ ancient world, inviting viewers to engage with history in a deeply personal way. Through their exceptional skill and evocative imagery, Cbloxx continues to enrich public spaces and inspire communities around the world.

---

 

The post Cbloxx’s Mural in Aberdeen: A Tribute to Scotland’s Pictish Heritage first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states