Summud (صمود) Exhibition Review: A Celebration of Heritage and Culture
written by Ella Monnerat // images by Tariq Bitar
A one-evening multidisciplinary exhibition and fundraiser curated by Noor Nematt, Tatiana Martinez, and Ayah Annab, Sumud was a captivating experience from the moment you stepped in. Upon entering the contemporary gallery in the Isle of Dogs, guests were immediately enveloped by pulsing music and greeted by walls adorned with vibrant paintings, illustrations, and installations, setting the tone for the evening. As you continue further, the gallery transforms into a journey through the Middle East. Richly decorated with traditional motifs, the space became a visual and sensory homage to the region’s cultural heritage.
The exhibition took its name from the Arabic word summud, meaning "steadfastness," a fitting title for an event that seeks to preserve and amplify the narratives of Palestinians through artistic expression. The curators, all based in East London, pulled together a diverse group of artists, including over ten visual creators and three live performers, to present a vibrant display of Palestinian heritage.
The collection showcased a diverse range of mediums and artistic practices, coming together to form a harmonious body of work. All the showcasing artists were from the Middle East and North Africa. This limitation was set by the curators as an act to amplify the voices of those from the region.
The first piece that captured my attention was ‘Love is Resistance’ by Noor Nematt, an oil painting depicting a hug and a kiss between two figures. The caption reveals that the image is inspired by a photograph taken by Alain Nogues. The colours of the piece are what draw you in, there’s a clear intention in the layering, with each stroke of paint having a different level of opacity. The underpainting shines through, giving the viewer a sense of rawness, creating an interesting composition. The two figures are wearing the same scarf, styled in different ways. The scarf, a ‘Keffiyeh’, is a traditional garment and a symbol of steadfastness for Palestinians. The tender exchange in the painting leaves viewers with a sense of warmth.
Adjacent to this artwork was a collection of Sahar Ghoreshis Digital illustrations. Mainly the Image Titled ‘Hear our voices. Don’t forget our pain’ an image which had a myriad of portraits of Palestinian children and activists. As you look closer at the images you notice that at the very bottom are protestors. This image is especially powerful as it not only serves as a memorial to the children illustrated, but as a confrontation to the viewer of how important their relationship to the cause is. “Hind’s Hall” is a direct reference to the student encampment at Columbia University. As they renamed Hamilton in the name of Hind Rajab a six year old girl who was killed, and has become a symbol in remembrance of all the young lives that were lost during the devastation.
‘Where The trees cry’ by Youssef El Khouly, An installation piece made from chiffon, fabric dye and spray paint. This piece comes at you like a thick cloud of smoke. Inspired by a quote by the famous Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish “If the Olive Trees knew the hands that planted them, Their Oil would become Tears.” The artwork has an impressive way of catching your attention. It is, although relatively small, rich in texture. The darkness of the piece seems to cup you into the feeling of Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry. There is a sense of deep sorrow that is carried into the folds of the fabric that are stained black, red and grey.
The relationship between each artwork was seamless, with the pieces playing off one another to tell a unified and powerful story. As a viewer, the significance of the exhibition’s title, Sumud—steadfastness—became clear. The Palestinian people are resilient and unwavering, a theme not only conveyed through the artists’ powerful storytelling but also through the thoughtful curation. The exhibition takes you on a journey, moving from intimate, peaceful moments in Palestinian homes to the global efforts advocating for the Palestinian cause, giving their voices strength on an international scale.
Summud, while at face value a beautifully curated exhibition celebrating the aesthetics of Palestinian art and culture, offered much more. It provided powerful political commentary, raising awareness about the ongoing conflict in Palestine. In addition to this, it raised funds for INARA, a charity that directly supports Palestinian refugees. As a result, visitors not only experienced Palestinian heritage but also contributed to making a tangible difference for those affected by the conflict.
