We Palestine by Wadei Khaled

We Palestine by Wadei Khaled: The project launched by Zawyeh Gallery, ‘Posters for Gaza’ aims to shed light on the ethnic cleansing and horrific massacres inflicted on the Gaza Strip demanding cease fire and the recognition of Palestinian rights to live freely on their land with dignity.

Representing a long tradition in Palestinian history, political posters were produced extensively in the seventies and the eighties by the Palestinian Liberation Organization with the contribution of Palestinian, Arab, and international artists. Posters played a crucial role then in supporting the justice of the Palestinian cause and promoting it globally, guided by freedom, dignity, resilience, and the ongoing aspiration for independence, sought by Palestinians.

Wadei Khaled was born in Al-Arroub Refugee Camp in 1986, and during his early childhood, colors had become his favorite companions. The first milestone in his artistic career came at the age of 13 when he held an art exhibition in Al-Arroub. After that, he began to explore the possibilities of painting his art directly on the walls of the camp. Wadei obtained a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Al-Quds University and since then has participated in many local and international exhibitions.

Impressionists were among Wadei’s main inspirations in art school. Like them, he enjoys playing with light, colors, and shadows. His passion as an artist is driven by his strong connection with the landscape. In his various works, he reflects on the Palestinian landscape, its zigzag details, and the olive trees that for centuries have not only provided livelihoods for many Palestinians but also inspired numerous traditional and popular stories.