Turkish artist's exhibition inspired by Palestinian poet opens in Ramallah

A new exhibition by Turkish artist Ahmet Yusuf Aygeç, blending the experiences of Palestinians with the poetry of national poet Mahmoud Darwish, has opened at the Mahmoud Darwish Museum in Ramallah. Titled "Posters to the Olive Tree in Exile," the show features 20 works created with coloured pencils and soft pastels.

Poetry and Resistance

Curated by Samed Karagöz and supported by TIKA, the collection explores themes of human suffering, resistance and daily life in Palestine through visual art accompanied by verses from Darwish's poetry. Palestinian Culture Minister Imad Hamdan said the exhibition was significant because it brought Darwish's poetry to life through a Turkish artist's work.

Logistical Challenges

Aygeç was unable to attend the opening after Israel did not grant him a visa. Hamdan said Israel did not want "a witness" to stand alongside Palestinians, but added that the artist's message had nevertheless reached Palestine through his artwork. Organisers faced logistical difficulties, including prints being held at customs, forcing local printing of the exhibition.