Reflections of the Gaza War in the Works of Visual Artists: An Analytical Reading

Abstract

This study aims to explore the impact of the Gaza War on visual artworks and to document the artistic productions created during this period. It seeks to analyze the changes that emerged in these works, with a focus on the role of art in reinforcing national identity and collective memory during times of war. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology to examine twelve artworks, intentionally selected from a group of contemporary artists. The research problem lies in the scarcity of prior studies addressing the effects of the most recent Gaza War on visual art. Previous scholarship has generally focused on the broader relationship between war and art, without treating the October 2023 Gaza War as an independent subject of inquiry. The study finds that the war had a profound impact on visual artists, prompting them to express their suffering and pain through diverse artistic forms. Rather than depicting the war directly, many artists employed intellectual and creative strategies to deliver powerful messages through their work. The findings confirm that these artworks played a significant role in influencing viewers, addressing philosophical and intellectual themes in innovative ways, thereby raising awareness of the Palestinian cause and its imprint on collective memory. The significance of this study lies in its presentation of a new perspective on art as a form of cultural resistance and a means of preserving national identity during wartime. It also contributes to enriching the Arabic library and scholarly discourse in the fields of art and war studies, offering a deeper understanding of this lived experience and a valuable addition to both disciplines.