Produced by the Lakes International Comic Art Festival in partnership with the British Council and other funding bodies, the exhibition is the first ever of Palestinian comic art to be developed and organised by Palestinian creators themselves.
The curator, George Khoury, who is based in Lebanon and recognised as the region’s leading expert on Arab comics, and one of the key featured artists, multi award-winning Mohammad Sabaaneh, who is based in Palestine, will be joining the Festival’s diverse line up of comic creators over the weekend.
As part of LICAF’s ongoing exploration of the fascinating world of Arab comics “Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free: Palestinian Comics Revealed” presents the work of twelve Palestinian comic artists in a unique installation designed by architects Rabih Koussa and Nabil Farhat, made from cardboard. Fragile yet resilient, paper symbolises the endurance of a people amidst the tempests of history.
The installation reflects the traditional architectures of the region and will house the art of twelve Palestinian comic artists. Each fold and crease in this paper house reflects the complexities of identity, memory, and the unyielding spirit of the works.
Through this ephemeral yet enduring medium, “Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free” invites visitors to witness bold strokes of defiance and gentle whispers of hope.
The installation will also feature five short videos by some of the featured artists, offering a unique insight in their owns words into themes such as personal identity to geopolitics offering remarkable perspectives on Palestine.
The first iteration of “Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free” features the work of, in alphabetical order by given name Abdelrazaq Leila, Al-Nakhala Amal, Al-Shamali Shahd, Amer Shomali, Ata Iasmin Omar (also known as Delta), Dabaie Marguerite, Harb Samir, Hifaoui Nour, Jabareen Michael, Jarada Khaled, Sabaaneh Mohammad, and Yamani Fuad.
Most of the artists now live in the Palestinian diaspora, including America, Germany and France and some were born in these countries or in refugee camps – but all their work is bound by their strong emotional connections to Palestine.
“Palestine has been a constant subject in children’s comics magazines since their inception in the middle of the last century,” notes artist, writer and educator George Khoury, who has kindly provided a special introduction to the exhibition, to accompany the art.
“Today, Palestine is telling its own intimate story through the narratives of its people spread across the planet. As the rightful owners of the cause, they deserve to have their voices heard, to embrace it, and to protect it from everyone’s bidding.
“They, and only they, bear the answer – a dream of a ‘happy ending’ that has been yearned for over 75 years. Their cause is rooted in rights and justice, transcending the confines of political dogma, ideology, historical narratives, and geographical boundaries. They challenge us all to reconsider our relationship with the land, culture, individual freedom, and cultural gender identity.”
“The clamour of the past decades has tended to obscure the everyday lives and unique creativity of Palestinian comic artists,” notes Festival Director Julie Tait, “and ‘Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free’ seeks to reveal these unheard voices and experiences through an extraordinary installation featuring images and video material.
Rachel Stevens, Director of Literature at the British Council said:
“As a cultural relations organisation, our role is to provide a space for artists to openly share their work, promoting positive dialogue and creativity as a result. This partnership with LICAF aims to highlight the unique world of comic art. We are delighted to support a new generation of Palestinian artists showcasing their work to an international audience.”
ENTER THE MULBERRY TREE AND FLY FREE – EXHIBITIONS
Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free – Palestinian Comics Revealed
Old Fire Station at Windermere Jetty Museum
Thursday 26th – Sunday 29th September 2024
10.00am – 4.00pm
Part of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival 2024
“Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free” focuses on the work of twelve Palestinian comic artists. Exploring themes ranging from personal identity to geopolitics, these artists present remarkable perspectives on Palestine. The clamour of the past decades has tended to obscure the everyday lives and unique creativity of Palestinian comic artists and “Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free” seeks to reveal these unheard voices and experiences.
Curated by one of the leading academics and writers on Arabic comics, George Khoury, together with leading Palestinian comic artist and academic Mohammed Sabaaneh, this exhibition brings together work by a surprising and exciting range of groundbreaking comic artists.
A Lakes International Comic Art Festival exhibition supported by the British Council
Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free – Palestinian Comics Revealed
Left Bank, Cardigan Road, Burley, Leeds LS6 1LJ
November 2024
Part of Thought Bubble Festival 2024
Further details soon
