Reviving the legacy of Samih al-Qasim through an art exhibition in Rama

Ramah - Ma'an - On Saturday, September 14, 2024, a distinguished art exhibition was held in the town of Ramah, specifically in the Arishah Restaurant near the shrine of the poet Samih al-Qasim, under the title "In the Presence of al-Qasim: Your Brush Speaks His Words", organized jointly by the Tanweer Foundation and the Samih al-Qasim Foundation, on the tenth anniversary of the passing of the great poet. The exhibition witnessed wide participation from artists from the 1948 territories, in addition to artists from different parts of Palestine and the world. More than 70 artworks were displayed, ranging from portraits inspired by Samih al-Qasim's personality and works, to paintings that embodied his revolutionary sayings and poems, in addition to surreal, abstract and heritage paintings that express the Palestinian identity. The exhibition dealt with humanitarian and national themes that the poet addressed in his writings, such as Palestinian identity, love for one's homeland, and adherence to the right desp ite suffering. Each painting is a visual translation of his immortal sayings, whether through color, shape, or artistic abstraction that reflects the pain and hopes of his people. The artist Maria Maraab and her band participated in presenting artistic segments that included committed songs and songs with lyrics by Samih Al-Qasim, which added an atmosphere of spirituality and beauty to the exhibition. These segments were integrated with the artistic works to express the poet's creativity through various artistic media, in addition to a book exhibition. The exhibition was well received by the public from all regions, as it was an opportunity for communication between artists and the public, and to enhance the spirit of unity and resilience embodied in Al Qassim's works. The director of Tanweer Foundation, artist Suhad Kabha, and the director of Samih al-Qasim Foundation and the poet's son, Watan al-Qasim, expressed their happiness with the success of this artistic event, noting that the exhibition reflects the extent to which Samih al-Qasim's cultural legacy continues across generations, and emphasizes the important role that art plays in strengthening Palestinian identity and expressing its pressing issues. The event was held in a charming atmosphere in the courtyard of Al-Areesha Restaurant on the slopes of Mount Rama, a picturesque area overlooking wonderful natural scenes in the Galilee from Acre and Haifa to Tiberias and the mountains of Jordan, which added a special artistic and aesthetic character to the exhibition. Source: Maan News Agency