Malak Mattar, born in Gaza, is a self-taught artist whose powerful, color-saturated canvases have garnered international acclaim. Despite never formally studying art, Mattar’s work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions across the globe, including in Costa Rica, England, France, India, Palestine, Scotland, Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, and the USA. Her journey into the art world began during the 2014 assault on Gaza, a time when her neighborhood was devastated, and her grandparents’ and uncle’s homes were destroyed. This traumatic period profoundly influenced her early works, imbuing them with the intense emotions and resilience of her homeland.

In 2022, Mattar completed her studies in political science and international relations at Istanbul Aydin University in Turkey. Last spring, she was accepted into Central Saint Martins, one of London’s most prestigious art schools, to pursue a Master of Fine Arts. However, her arrival in London was delayed due to visa issues, causing her to miss the first semester. Despite these challenges and the emotional toll of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Mattar began her studies and artistic endeavors with renewed vigor and purpose.

Mattar’s recent work focuses on documenting the horrors of the war in Gaza through large-scale, black-and-white paintings. Her current project, created during a residency in central London, aims to depict the terror and resilience of Gaza’s people. The painting, filled with vignettes based on real stories and images from social media, showcases the brutal realities of the conflict. One powerful section features a man cradling a dog in front of his bombed home, symbolizing the deep connection between Gazans and their pets amidst the chaos.