RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza- The Atelier Gaza is opened by women artists in the Gaza Strip to be a space for young women and support them develop their abilities so that they address social issues, especially women’s issues in their artwork in order to change their society.

In an interview with NuJINHA, artist Dalia Abdel-Rahman, the project coordinator of the Atelier Gaza, decided to provide a space for women artists because women artists had no space to express themselves. She received no support except from the Young Women's Christian Association in the Gaza Strip. The association gave her a studio in need of restoration so she could use it.

“Seven more women artists joined me and we renovated the studio. Then, a number of young women, who had recently graduated from the art college, joined us. For a year, they shared their experiences with each other and developed ideas. In a year, they painted many artworks. Most of them participated in international exhibitions and were awarded. They make great efforts to get into the art world by participating in many activities and events,” said Dalia Abdel-Rahman.

Every day, many art-lover women visit the Atelier Gaza. For this reason, Dalia Abdel-Rahman decided to combine art with psychological therapy through sculpture, ceramics and drawing courses. “We have organized activities for women visiting the Atelier Gaza on special days such as International Women’s Day. There is a great interest of women in these activities. However, we cannot organize such activities often because of high prices of materials,” said Dalia Abdel-Rahman, who continues funding these activities until she finds a sponsor.

She sells her paintings outside Palestine

Artist Fidaa Al-Hasanat joined women artists of the Atelier Gaza to find a space so that she can express herself in art. She sells her paintings outside Palestine. “Some social media users comment on my paintings. Some think my paintings are ‘inappropriate’. I also receive positive feedback from some social media users and critics,” she told NuJINHA.

Fidaa Al-Hasanat called on all women not to give up despite all the challenges faced by them.

‘The Atelier Gaza provides a space to women artists’

Lamees Al-Sharif is another woman, who finds a space at Atelier Gaza to express herself through her paintings far from the patriarchal mindset. She said, “Women are creative and can address various issues through paintings. The Atelier Gaza provides a space to women artists so that they develop their skills. I always add the elements of music in my paintings. Young women artists need such a space to share their experiences and address women’s issues through art.”