Palestinian artist reveals violence against women in Gaza through paintings
People visit an exhibition of Palestinian artist Kholoud al-Dasooqi in Gaza City, on Aug. 11, 2020. Kholoud al-Dasooqi, a Palestinian artist from the Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, has opened her two-day exhibition to reveal the violence against women through dozens of paintings. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
by Sanaa Kamal
GAZA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Kholoud al-Dasooqi, a Palestinian artist from the Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, has opened her two-day exhibition to reveal the violence against women through dozens of paintings.
Called "Schizophrenia Gaza," it is the first solo exhibition for al-Dasooqi, who graduated from the Department of Art with Al-Aqsa University.
The 20-year-old artist told Xinhua that she was also subject to domestic violence when she was married, and she chose to express her emotions and feelings through drawing.
"This project reflects my own experience and an unfortunate marriage. It talks about the details of my life," she said, adding that her artwork has been influenced by the Palestinian reality, especially that of women.
Using colored-cosmetics and oil colors, the young woman created dozens of tragic paintings showing the sadness of women.
"In our community, there is a high rate of domestic violence against women," the young artist said, adding that she wants the visitors to realize the severe conditions of Gaza's abused women.
According to a 2019 report issued by the Palestinian Central Statistics, 29 percent of Palestinian women who are currently married or have previously been married have experienced psychological, sexual, physical, social, or economic violence.
Out of the total number, 24 percent of them come from the West Bank, while 38 percent are based in the blockaded Gaza Strip.
The same report found that 18 percent of women in Palestine have experienced physical violence from their husbands, and nine percent of the women were subject to sexual violence by their husbands.
"It is normal to feel anxiety and fear about the abuse, but I choose to stay positive and convey my story through paintings to encourage others," Kholoud al-Dasooqi said.
Basel al-Aklouk, a visitor of the exhibition, told Xinhua that "the young artist managed to convey stories and experiences of women through paintings. She draws attention to one of the most acute problems in the Gaza Strip."
The 42-year-old father of three said that the unprecedented deterioration of the economic, social, and political conditions caused by the tight Israeli blockade and the internal Palestinian division have contributed to the increase of violence against women.
Besides, the coronavirus lockdown imposed by the Palestinian government to prevent the spread of the virus has further pushed that violence up.
Palestinian officials and human rights activists say the lockdown has made women more vulnerable to domestic violence and abuse. Many of them were confined to their homes with no outside support.
The Palestinian Ministry of Social Development said it provided hundreds of counseling and psychological services to thousands of abused women in the Palestinian territories. Enditem
Related articles
Mystery artist who erected signs comparing pothole
A defiant resident infuriated by the potholes in their road has taken revenge on the council by erec2024-05-21Spring Festival lantern fair combines tradition, creative displays to attract visitors
A lantern fair is being held at a filming base in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province,2024-05-21Winter tourism promotion adds allure to travelling Tibet
Tibet received 49.67 million domestic and overseas visitors in the first three quarters of this year2024-05-21Chinese premier chairs State Council executive meeting
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday presided over a State Council executive meeting to hear an inspec2024-05-21With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
GENEVA (AP) — Needing a win to face Novak Djokovic next at the Geneva Open, Andy Murray was saved by2024-05-21Robin Goodfellow's racing tips: Best bets for Friday, April 26
Mail Sport's racing expert Robin Goodfellow delivers his tips for Friday's meetings at Doncaster, Ch2024-05-21
atest comment