Palestine: Unlimited showcases photography by young Palestinian artists and media students from Dar al-Kalima University, College of Arts and Culture in Bethlehem, Palestine. This exhibition is the result of a call to the best young photographers of Palestine to share interpretations of their country and their people.
Dar al-Kalima is dedicated to building a more free and just Palestine, the university advances values of democracy, freedom of expression and critical thinking. This is especially important in a country where 47% of the population are youth, there is 57% unemployment among graduates, and 50% of youth suffer from disorders as a result of chronic exposure to trauma and violence perpetrated by the Israeli military and occupation of Palestine.
Palestine: Unlimited presented the winners from Dar al-Kalima’s first photographic competition, in honor of the first female Palestinian photographer, Karimah Abboud. Images from the ten finalists were selected to help break stereotypes and share a realistic view for the public to experience Palestine’s true nature. Bright Stars of Bethlehem is an organization that supports and promotes programs to build hope and a brighter future for Palestine.
The art exhibition has traveled across the country, including Milwaukee’s Ascension Lutheran Church, River West Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts, Village Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church and now, the Islamic Resource Center. In October it will also be showing at Harbour Village Assisted Living in Greendale.
The moving and thought-provoking imagery featured in the exhibition portray the traumas of home demolition; the disappearance of loved ones; strong, proud, aspiring youth and weary elders at work and prayer but their strength and resilience is prevalent regardless.
The traveling exhibition is showing at the Islamic Resource Center, 5235 S. 27th St., from September 15 to September 30 on Monday-Friday (10am-6pm) and Saturday and Sundays (10am-3pm). The exhibition is free and open to the public. Prints from the exhibition will be for sale including a recipe book, spice set and media link to a cooking show. All proceeds from the sales go to support the students at Dar al-Kalima University and build a scholarship fund for other young students.
