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0710 Journeys Workshop

Thank you for taking time today to join this reflective journey around Wayne’s exhibition. I hope this self guided journey will give you time to connect with Wayne’s images, and recognise the emotions and thoughts that can be used to take meaningful action.

A Journey Through Images: Hope and Resilience in Palestine and Beyond.

This reflective workshop invites you on a poignant journey through Wayne’s powerful images of Palestine and the London demonstrations. In a world overwhelmed by narratives of struggle, we will turn our gaze towards the enduring spirit of hope and the unwavering strength of resilience that permeate these compelling photographs.

Through guided reflection, we will explore how these images capture moments of profound human connection, resistance, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Beyond the headlines, discover the narratives of everyday life, the cultural steadfastness, and the collective determination that define a people.

Join us to delve deeper into the visual stories that speak not only of adversity but also of the unyielding human capacity for hope in the face of immense challenges, and the vibrant resilience that continues to blossom against all odds. This workshop is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and find inspiration in the shared human experience depicted within these powerful frames.

Photo 1: I-WITNESS

This striking image from Silwan, East Jerusalem, captures buildings adorned with vibrant murals. The Palestinian national flower blossoms alongside monumental pairs of eyes belonging to activists and martyrs, painted by the “I-Witness Silwan” project. These murals are a powerful assertion of presence and a defiant act of witnessing, transforming the very walls of homes under threat of possession or demolition into canvases of collective memory and resistance. They speak to the enduring spirit of a community determined to remain visible and rooted in their land, despite relentless pressures.

“We have on this earth what makes life worth living: April’s hesitation, the aroma of bread at dawn, a woman’s point of view about men, the writings of Aeschylus, the beginning of love, grass on a stone, mothers living on a thread of illusion and a homeland that returns in a song, a return to a return by a star.” — Mahmoud Darwish, Memory for Forgetfulness

Reflection Prompts:

• What initial emotions or thoughts does this image evoke in you?
• How do the murals, particularly the eyes, make you feel about the community depicted?
• Consider the idea of “witnessing” through art. What does it mean to you to witness a struggle from afar, and what responsibility might that entail?

https://www.iwitnesssilwan.org/ 

Photo 2: OUR REALITY

This haunting photograph presents a broken doll’s head, its eyes shut and mouth open in a silent scream of agony, lying amidst rubble. Part of an art exhibition at Dar Al-Kalima University in Bethlehem focusing on the current war in Gaza, this image is a visceral testament to the profound trauma and innocence lost in conflict. It compels us to confront the devastating human cost of war, particularly on the most vulnerable, and highlights art’s crucial role in bearing witness to unbearable suffering.

“My homeland is not a suitcase, and I am not a traveller.” — Mahmoud Darwish, Diary of a Palestinian Wound

Reflection Prompts:

• What is the most impactful detail for you in this photograph, and why?
• How does this image challenge or reinforce your understanding of conflict and its impact on civilians?
• In what ways can art, even when depicting profound suffering, contribute to resilience or a call for justice?

https://www.daralkalima.edu.ps/en/page/mission

Photo 3: WAR IS HELL

In this compelling shot from a London demonstration, we see a bald white man with numerous tattoos. The photographer, who is Black, reflects on initial assumptions based on appearance and past experiences, only to realize that this man, despite superficial differences, stands on the same side, united in a shared cause. This image powerfully challenges preconceived notions, highlighting the capacity for human connection and solidarity that transcends perceived divides, fostering empathy and revealing unexpected alliances in the pursuit of justice.

“We are all human, and we all deserve to live in peace and dignity.” — Ghassan Kanafani, Men in the Sun

Reflection Prompts:

• What assumptions, if any, did you initially make about the man in the photo, and how does the description challenge those?
• How does this image speak to the idea of solidarity and finding common ground with unexpected allies?
• Can you recall a time when your own assumptions about someone were challenged, leading to a deeper understanding or connection?

Photo 4: RESISTANCE

This black and white mural from Bethlehem’s Aida refugee camp depicts a woman, a figure of resistance, wearing a keffiyeh and holding a gun. Aida camp is renowned for its pervasive street art, which serves as a constant visual narrative of the Palestinian struggle. This image speaks to the unwavering defiance and courage embedded within the community, showcasing how art is not merely decoration but an integral, living part of the ongoing resistance, reflecting the strength and active struggle of its people.

“We teach life, dear.” — Rafeef Ziadah, We Teach Life, Sir

Reflection Prompts:

• What emotions or sense of purpose do you feel emanating from the figure in this mural?
• How does the concept of “art as resistance” resonate with you when viewing an image like this?
• Consider the idea of teaching life amidst struggle. What does that mean in this context, and how might it apply to other challenging situations?

https://www.unrwa.org/where-we-work/west-bank/aida-camp

Photo 5: WAR CHILD

This poignant photograph captures a young Bedouin boy in a village near Jericho, his eyes downcast and expression sombre, with a truck in the background. His village is overlooked by an illegal Israeli settlement, from which settlers frequently come to steal and destroy. The image quietly conveys the daily vulnerability and quiet suffering endured by those living under occupation, highlighting the profound impact of land dispossession and the enduring resilience of a community determined to survive against constant threat.

“The land remembers those who tend it, those who love it, those who live on it.” — Susan Abulhawa, Mornings in Jenin

Reflection Prompts:

• What does the boy’s expression communicate to you?
• How does this image make you reflect on the concept of “home” and the impact of displacement or threat to one’s land?
• What forms of quiet resilience do you observe or imagine in this scene?

https://www.warchild.org.uk/our-work/where-we-work/gaza

Photo 6: TABY

A powerful moment from a London protest march, this photo shows a young woman leading chants, microphone in hand, her face alight with fire and energy, a visible embodiment of righteous anger. She is a voice for the voiceless, channelling passion and determination into collective action. This image captures the raw power of advocacy and the vital role of individual conviction in galvanizing movements for justice, demonstrating how anger can be a potent catalyst for change.

“Our words are like stones, thrown at the walls of injustice.” — Fadwa Tuqan, My Home, My Love

Reflection Prompts:

• What does the woman’s energy and expression convey about the nature of protest and advocacy?
• How do you feel about the idea of using one’s voice to speak for those who cannot?
• When have you felt a similar “fire and energy” about a cause or belief?

• Photo 7: NO MORE MURDER

This deeply moving photograph from a London demonstration features a woman holding a sign that boldly declares “NO MORE MURDER IN OUR NAME” down its centre, flanked by many names of Palestinians who have been killed. This image is a testament to profound moral courage and the power of interfaith solidarity. It represents a powerful act of empathy and recognition of suffering, challenging narratives of division and demonstrating a shared humanity in the pursuit of justice and an end to violence.

“Justice is a living thing, it needs to be fed, it needs to be nurtured.” — Edward Said, Orientalism

Reflection Prompts:

• What is the significance of the message “NO MORE MURDER IN OUR NAME” coming from a Jewish woman?
• How does this image challenge or expand your understanding of solidarity and allyship?
• What does it mean to you to stand up for justice, even when it might be difficult or unpopular within your own community?

Photo 8: IT ALL FLAIRS UP

Taken at night with a faster lens, this photo captures the side view of a man in a balaclava holding a smoke canister, the swirling smoke creating an almost unreal, ethereal quality around his head. This image speaks to the intensity and often anonymous nature of resistance movements. It evokes the urgency and heightened atmosphere of protest, hinting at the hidden faces and sacrifices involved in activism, and the surreal reality of a struggle that transcends the ordinary.

“The human being is always a stranger, no matter where he is.” — Tawfiq Zayyad, The Impossible

Reflection Prompts:

• What atmosphere or mood does this nighttime image convey to you?
• How do you interpret the anonymity of the figure and the “unreal” quality of the smoke in the context of resistance?
• What does this image make you consider about the different forms and expressions of protest?

Photo 9: PROTEST SCREAM

This dynamic photo captures a crowd at a London demonstration, with flags and placards visible. In the centre, a man with his hand cupped around his mouth shouts with immense energy, embodying a powerful voice for the voiceless. His raw passion and determination highlight the collective power of people coming together to advocate for justice. This image is a reminder of the democratic expression of solidarity and the vital role of public demonstration in amplifying calls for human rights and freedom.

“We are the voices of those who have no voice.” — Refaat Alareer, Gaza Writes Back

Reflection Prompts:

• What do you imagine the man in the photo is shouting, and what feelings does his action evoke in you?
• How does this image illustrate the power of collective action and shared purpose?
• In what ways do you feel you can be a “voice for the voiceless” in your own life or community?

Photo 10: HOPE

From the roof of the Lagee Centre in Aida refugee camp, this photo looks across at the imposing Israeli apartheid wall. Boldly painted in large white letters across the wall is the single word: “HOPE.” This image is profoundly inspiring, capturing the essence of Sumud—the steadfast resilience of Palestinians. Despite the grim reality of oppression and the psychological toll of living under apartheid, the presence of such a defiant message speaks volumes about the unyielding human capacity for hope and the vibrant resilience that continues to fight against all odds.

“On this earth, there is something worth living for.” — Mahmoud Darwish, On This Earth

Reflection Prompts:

• How does seeing the word “HOPE” on such a formidable barrier impact you?
• What does “Sumud” (steadfastness/resilience) mean to you in the context of this image?
• Where do you find hope in seemingly hopeless situations, either personally or globally?

https://www.bethlehem.ps/en/Article/104/Lajee-Center

Photo 11: WEST BANK

This poignant mural on a wall in Aida refugee camp depicts the silhouette of a girl with long hair, her arms raised, watching the silhouettes of birds flying freely. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for the longing for freedom and the role of imagination in the face of confinement. While the reality for Palestinians in the West Bank or Gaza offers little hope for immediate freedom, this creative resistance speaks volumes, covering the community with glimmers of possibility. Art here is not just resistance; it is a window to aspiration, a testament to the enduring human spirit that finds freedom even in dreams.

“The bird flies free, even if its wings are broken.” — Ghassan Kanafani, Return to Haifa

Reflection Prompts:

• What does the imagery of the girl and the free birds communicate to you about freedom and longing?
• How does art, as depicted here, offer a form of hope or escape in difficult circumstances?
• What personal connections do you draw between the idea of “broken wings” and the enduring spirit of freedom?

Photo 12: OCCUPIED

This final, difficult photo shows two sections of the apartheid wall in Bethlehem, meeting at right angles and joined by an Israeli watchtower bristling with surveillance cameras. The wall itself is covered in Palestinian murals, one boldly stating “NO FREEDOM ALLOWED.” This image serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of occupation, confinement, and constant surveillance. It compels us to recognize the journey and the immense struggle ahead, urging us to continue campaigning, using our voices, our hearts, our creative resistance, our energy, and our actions to speak out for equal human rights and freedom for Palestine.

“We will not be silenced. We will not disappear.” — Mariam Barghouti, Fragments of Palestine

Reflection Prompts:

• What is the overall feeling this final image leaves you with?
• How does the phrase “NO FREEDOM ALLOWED” resonate with the visual reality of the wall and watchtower?
• Considering all the images, what personal commitment or action does this workshop inspire in you as you reflect on the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom?

Thank you for joining us on this reflective journey through Wayne’s powerful photographs. We hope these images and prompts have offered you a deeper understanding and fostered a profound connection to the narratives of hope, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice. As you leave this workshop, carry forward the inspiration found in these frames.

For those attending the workshop on July 26th, between 12.30 and 4 pm, I (Claire, Sabeel-Kairos UK) will be in the gallery. Please feel free to come and share your reflections and insights with me after you have completed the workshop.

May your voices, your hearts, your creative resistance, your energy, and your actions continue to speak out for the equal human rights and freedom for Palestine.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

https://www.sabeel-kairos.org.uk/

https://www.acelebrationofdemonstration.com/