In an atmosphere overwhelmed with heritage and folkloric dimensions about 300 pieces and paintings of cultural significance that reflect the story of ancient Palestinians were exhibited at the hall of the Children’s Cultural Center in Nablus by visual artist Osama Hammad.
The exhibits appeared to be a return to the original past; whether the paintings antiques ornaments embroideries or drawings. Not to mention the aesthetic touch of the semi-dark lighting that surrounded the exhibition.
The exhibition was called “The Old Town; Identity and Heritage” and it included according to Osama Hammad a number of paintings and potteries that embody the authenticity of the Palestinian and Nabulsi heritage in an interesting and distinctive way and it took a year to be done. The exhibits were presented for the first time in Nablus and some of them were exhibited only a year ago in a heritage exhibition in Birzeit.
Thirty paintings on canvas were displayed in various sizes some large and some medium. They were made in a new style on Egyptian papyrus which was originally used by the pharaohs.
Hammad pointed out that the pharaohs had established commercial relations with the Palestinians and exchanged many artifacts and potteries in the ancient times and that in order to embody the Palestinian identity through history some of the exhibits were painted on pharaonic paper.
In addition to the paintings about 300 types of pottery were displayed in different sizes to facilitate carrying and transporting and to enjoy their diversity. The artist drew different scenes inspired from Palestinian heritage to give them an attractive artistic form and to give an indication of their Palestinian identity.
The painting of the Palestinian farmer in the wheat harvest season attracted the photographers’ lenses for its beauty and the bright colors used in it as well as pictures and paintings of Palestinian villagers in the agricultural environment and their embroidered dresses.
Hammad pointed out that the exhibition will be held all around different West Bank cities; due to its popularity and the need of the Palestinian society to introduce the new generations to their heritage and civilization.
The exhibition was opened by the Mayor of Nablus Adli Rifat Yayish Samah Al-Kharouf member of the Municipal Council Tayseer Nasrallah representative of Nablus Governor Hamdallah Afaneh Director of the Ministry of Culture office and Rasmia Al Masri Director of the Child Cultural Center.
