Levenshulme Old Library is the latest venue for "Enter The Mulberry Tree and Fly Free" first seen at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival 2024, the first exhibition of comic art from Palestine of its kind to take place outside of the Middle East and North Africa region.
The exhibition, offering a unique glimpse into the world of Palestinian comic art, features the works of twelve incredible artists who explore personal identity, geopolitics and the nuances of everyday life in Palestine.
As part of LICAF’s ongoing exploration of the fascinating world of Arab comics “Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free: Palestinian Comics Revealed” is curated by George Khoury, who is based in Lebanon and recognised as the region’s leading expert on Arab comics; 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 also features 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 exhibition is supported by the British Council and has been touring the UK since LICAF 2024.
“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.
• Enter The Mulberry Tree and Fly Free runs until 14th July 2025, Levenshulme Old Library, Cromwell Grove, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3QE | Web: levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk
Installation Opening Times: Monday: 10.00am – 12 noon | Monday: 5.30pm-7.30pm | Thursday: 10.00am – 12 noon | Saturday 10.00am – 2.00 pm
