part of Children of War, Children of Peace
Laila Al Shawa, born in Gaza – Palestine in 1946. Earned her Art degree in Leonardo Da Vinci’s Art School, Cairo – Egypt as well as Fine Arts degree and Art Diploma in Italy. She’s considered one of the most prominent Palestinian artists that for a certain period embodied and represented the Palestinian struggle and most particularly in her home town Gaza. Her depictions in “Walls of Gaza” carried what can be seen as a more serious approach to Pop art, using photographs and mixed media, creating artworks that would widely resemble a newly bred Intifada Warhol, sans the false colour manipulation of famous faces.
Shawa’s art includes general artistic views, yet always tend to be sharp and critical and mostly carries socio-political messages. One of her most controversial artworks would be the colourful “Impossible Dream” which raised debates on her possible criticizing to women who wear the veil and how it obstructs them from enjoying the simple ‘pleasures’ of life.
Laila’s quote on her art:
“I recorded a method of communication and punishments which have been sanctified by the (civilized world)…. I have to criticise what is around me through my painting. I don’t believe in painting butterflies and flowers and pretty things.”
March 30, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Hello,
I am a 2nd year Fine Art student at university.
My relates to issues concerning women in Gaza. The module for Thinking of Visual requires to make a contact with an artist who have a similar interest related to subject matter with art..
I will appriciate if I could ask you some questions on your work, which will be a great help!
With many thanks,
Indira Verdi
March 30, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Hello,
I am a 2nd year Fine Art student at university.
My work relates to issues concerning women in Gaza. The module for Thinking of Visual requires to make a contact with an artist who have a similar interest to subject matter.
I will appriciate if I could ask you some questions on your work, which will be a great help!
With many thanks,
Indira Verdi
September 24, 2009 at 5:04 pm
In response to Indira Verdi’s comment. Please contact me through my email address.
Laila