Sighting: London, 2021
_____________________
How Watermelon Became a Symbol of Palestinian Resistance
Hyperallergic
A new tradition is emerging online, uniting Palestinians worldwide and drawing influence from the 20th-century motif.
by Billy Anania
July 29, 2021
In occupied Palestine, watermelon is a symbol of resistance. With its colors mirroring the Palestinian flag, the fruit can be seen from the stone walls of Gaza to the galleries of Ramallah, hinting at the political history of a cherished summer fruit.
Over several decades, the Palestinian watermelon has become a public expression of cultural pride in artworks representing the struggle against Israeli apartheid. Now, a new tradition is emerging online, uniting Palestinians worldwide and drawing influence from those who fought for free expression throughout the late 20th century. Since the protests sparked by Israeli violence in Sheikh Jarrah, their story — cleverly encapsulated in a minimalist silkscreen of a watermelon — is experiencing a resurgence thanks to younger generations of artists.
Read entire article:
Hyperallergic
Digital illustration by Sami Boukhari (courtesy of the artist)
In occupied Palestine, watermelon is a symbol of resistance. With its colors mirroring the Palestinian flag, the fruit can be seen from the stone walls of Gaza to the galleries of Ramallah, hinting at the political history of a cherished summer fruit.
Over several decades, the Palestinian watermelon has become a public expression of cultural pride in artworks representing the struggle against Israeli apartheid. Now, a new tradition is emerging online, uniting Palestinians worldwide and drawing influence from those who fought for free expression throughout the late 20th century. Since the protests sparked by Israeli violence in Sheikh Jarrah, their story — cleverly encapsulated in a minimalist silkscreen of a watermelon — is experiencing a resurgence thanks to younger generations of artists.