Description
Camel of Hardship (Jamal Al Mahamel)
Sliman Mansour
Sliman Mansour‘s artwork titled Camel of Hardship, also known as ‘Jamal Al Mahamel,’ stands as an iconic and powerful symbol of the Palestinian struggle and Arab resistance art. Painted in 1973, the painting portrays a traditionally dressed Palestinian elderly man, reminiscent of the human carriers seen in Jerusalem’s past. In a vast open space, he carries upon his back the city of Jerusalem, laden with symbolism and historical significance.
Through this artwork, Mansour aims to evoke the burden and struggle of Palestinian history, reflecting a bleak future that has become more feared than longed for within the Palestinian community. The old man’s age represents the prolonged and seemingly unending struggle faced by Palestinians, as he appears weighed down by the weight of his history. Nevertheless, his clenched fists gripping the characteristically Palestinian flat rope demonstrate his determination to press on.
Jerusalem, represented in the almond-shaped city on the man’s back, embodies the idea of the lost homeland carried by Palestinians, particularly after the annexation of Eastern Jerusalem following the 1967 War. The Dome of the Rock at the city’s center, highlights the city’s multi-religious diversity and significance.
The artwork quickly became a symbol of the burdensome nature of the Palestinian struggle and garnered widespread popularity among Palestinians and Arabs alike. It transcended the realm of fine art and permeated popular culture, serving as a source of inspiration for contemporary artists expressing their frustrations with socio-economic and political burdens.
Drawing influence from Russian Socialist art and Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, Mansour’s distinct style combines elements of social realism with deeply emotive symbolism. The title, Camel of Hardship, provided by the renowned Palestinian poet Emile Habibi, further emphasizes the themes of patience and perseverance inherent in the artwork. The camel, known for its ability to carry heavy loads in harsh conditions, becomes a potent metaphor for the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people.
Camel of Hardship is not only a significant piece of Palestinian and Middle Eastern history but also a collector’s item with unparalleled artistic and symbolic importance. Through this powerful artwork, Sliman Mansour captures the weight of Palestinian history and the resilience of a people carrying the hope and heart of their country amid challenging circumstances.
T Nostalgia by Nabil Anani was born in Nablus in 1974. He received a BA degree in fine art from Al Najah University in 1998. Although he is a multidisciplinary artist- producing sound and light installations, video and performances- Asad describes himself as a painter first and foremost. Starting as an abstract painter, his work has evolved to focus on Palestinian landscape. He has participated in group exhibitions in Palestine, Europe, Japan, the US and the Arab world. Asad’s works have been shown in three solo exhibitions at a variety of venues including Nablus (1999), Ramallah (2006) and London (2006). Untitled 5 by Rafat Asad Asad was born in Nablus in 1974. Winter by Nabil Anani He received a BA degree in fine art from Al Najah University in 1998. Although he is a multidisciplinary artist- producing sound and light installations, video and performances- Asad describes himself as a painter first and foremost. Starting as an abstract painter, his work has evolved to focus on Palestinian landscape. He has participated in group exhibitions in Palestine, Europe, Japan, the US and the Arab world. Asad’s works have been shown in three solo exhibitions at a variety of venues including Nablus (1999), Ramallah (2006) and London (2006).Asad was born in Nablus in 1974. He received a BA degree in fine art from Al Najah University in 1998. Although he is a multidisciplinary artist- producing sound and light installations, video and performances- Asad describes himself as a painter first and foremost. Starting as an abstract painter, his work has evolved to focus on Palestinian landscape. He has participated in group exhibitions in Palestine, Europe, Japan, the US and the Arab world. Asad’s works have been shown in three solo exhibitions at a variety of venues including Nablus (1999), Ramallah (2006) and London (2006). Eternal Nostalgia by Nabil Anani.
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