CRAG’s newest exhibition features photography and context for what life is like in the Occupied West Bank from the lens of Palestinian Artist Rehab Nazzal.
Over 65 people were in attendance at the opening reception held on Friday, March 21st at the gallery, beginning with a traditional welcoming by Hereditary Chief Kwakiladze James Quattell. Artist Sonny Assu also offered words at the opening reception to the work done by Palestinian Artist Rehab Nazzal, “This work is just extremely raw, and it’s really showing you what is happening on the ground in Palestine.” Upon taking in Nazzal’s work, Assu reflects: “For me, I just want to be in here and absorb everything, just so I kinda know what the Palestinians are going through and I encourage you all to do this as well.”
The exhibition Driving in Palestine features work by Nazzal who took on the risky task of crossing the Occupied West Bank from 2010 to 2020 with the exhibition curated by Stefan St-Laurent. Nazzal used a documentary approach to capture unseen aspects of Palestine, including its visual and sound landscapes under military occupation. Amassing thousands of photos, videos, and audio clips, her work creates a vital historical archive.
One of the pieces in the exhibition, Healing Moments focuses on the beauty of the natural landscape in the Occupied West Bank. It is a reprieve from the oppressive sound of drones, the watchful eyes of towers, and restrictions in movement. It is the place where one can reflect on the sacred bond between Indigenous Palestinian communities and their traditional lands.
This exhibition features programming including a film screening, artist workshops, and curatorial discussion. On April 2nd Where Olive Trees Weep at Rivercity Players will be screened along with other short films and a discussion. There will also be a Tatreez (a traditional form of Palestinian embroidery) workshop hosted by Rawan Hassan on April 26th & 27th, and finally Curator Stefan St. Laurant will be coming from Ottawa to host a Curatorial Talk discussing the exhibition and working with Nazzal. All programs are barrier-free and by donation. See our website to register at www.crartgallery.ca/events
Driving in Palestine will run from March 20th to May 24th in the CRAG’s Main and Satellite Gallery. This exhibition is a touring show from SAW Centre in Ottawa and is touring to BC for the first time.
