Sumud
When the war started I had this sunken feeling, like oh no, here we go again. But something about this time felt different. It felt a lot worse. I painted Sumud to raise money for medical aid in Palestine.
Sumud is an Arabic word that does not translate easily. It means steadfastness, rootedness, the refusal to be moved. In Palestinian culture it is not just a concept. It is a way of living, passed down through generations, held onto through everything.
I wanted the painting to show resilience. The olive tree grows in Palestinian colours, pushing through the barbed wire of occupation, rooted in the ground of the keffiyeh. The Dome of the Rock stands golden behind it, a guardian over the Palestinian people. The occupation continues. But the tree still continues to grow.
100 × 120 cm Acrylic on canvas
Sumud
Sumud is held in a private collection.
Sumud. Steadfastness. The refusal to be moved. An olive tree grows from the keffiyeh, its roots deep, its branches reaching, the Dome of the Rock golden behind it. Barbed wire across the sky. And still, the tree grows.
NOW IN A PRIVATE COLLECTION
Commission an original painting
This painting is now in a private collection. If you are looking for an original painting for your home, I would be happy to discuss a commission with you.