This exhibition comes at a critical point in Palestinian history, in light of the fundamental question of what we should do now and in the future. We explore pioneering experiences and models of struggle that substantially promoted the Palestinian people’s resilience and defended their right to exist and remain.
Our upcoming exhibition, “Knitting Fragments: Women, Nation, Liberation,” unveils the important contributions of Palestinian women in reshaping their societal fabric—which is targeted by successive wars. It highlights the legacy of the Inash Alusra Association (est. 1965), which, since its founding in the wake of the Nakba, provides vital education to Palestinian girls through educational, developmental and vocational training programmes; Prepares students to contribute to the Palestinian economy and attain self-sustainability through the Inash Alsura’s income-generating centres and departments; Provides care for the children of martyrs and prisoners, and relief and support to highly vulnerable Palestinian households; And preserves the collective Palestinian memory and heritage through its museum and specialised centre.
Based on archival materials and artwork, the exhibition narrates an intricate experience shaped by adversity and resolve, where women-led charity organisations became a strong driving force for Palestinian cohesion amidst displacement and fragmentation. It highlights Samiha Khalil, a pioneering figure who who carefully engineered the values emphasised by Inash Alusra since its inception and put into effect aworking model for Palestinian contemporary sociopolitical history..
Critical historic events, such as the Nakba, the Naksa and the current genocidal war on Gaza, have significantly affected the experiences of women. Their stories proved that the Occupation directly and systematically targets Palestinian women because of their potential to reunite families and the Palestinian people at large. This targeting was also due to their capacity to perpetuate, revive and maintain the nation’s steadfastness.
The “Knitting Fragments” exhibition encourages the audience to pay particular attention to the legacy and status of Palestinian women as bearers and makers of Palestinian culture, identity and narrative. Women are also a key component in consolidating the economy of resistance to effectively augment the national struggle. The exhibition also calls to contemplate on the changing landscape of Palestinian feminist movements, along with highlighting the role of civil society organisations in confronting the genocidal war and colonial attacks against the Palestinian people.
The exhibition will open on 27 July 2024 at Al-Qattan Cultural Centre - Ramallah, in cooperation with the Inash Alusra Association and a number of artists.