Tamam Al-Akhal (b. March 16, 1935, Jaffa, Palestine) is a renowned Palestinian artist whose career spans decades of dedicated advocacy for her homeland through her artwork. At the age of 13, Al-Akhal was forcibly displaced from her hometown during the Nakba in 1948, a traumatic event that profoundly shaped her artistic journey. She is one of the first Palestinian woman artists who was formally trained, and is known for her painting work using realism and impressionist styles

Al-Akhal’s formal art education began in Jaffa and continued in Beirut and Cairo, where she graduated from the Higher Institute of Fine Arts in 1957. It was in Cairo that she met her partner and fellow artist, Ismail Shammout. Together, they became iconic figures in Palestinian art, holding joint exhibitions worldwide and pioneering a visual language that encapsulates the Palestinian experience.

Her artistic style, rooted in realism and later evolving into abstraction and cubism, vividly depicts the landscapes and cultural heritage of Palestine. Al-Akhal’s work is distinguished by her use of vivid colors and symbolic elements, such as the purebred Arabian horse and traditional Palestinian embroidery patterns. Her paintings often evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and longing for her homeland, serving as poignant testimonies to the Palestinian narrative.

Throughout her career, Al-Akhal has exhibited an unwavering commitment to highlighting the Palestinian cause. She and Shammout led the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Arts and National Culture Division, using their art to communicate the struggles and resilience of their people. Despite being displaced multiple times due to regional conflicts, Al-Akhal’s dedication to her craft never wavered.

Now residing in Amman, Al-Akhal continues to engage with her art, remaining a vital voice in the Palestinian artistic community. Her work not only preserves the memory of her homeland but also inspires future generations to appreciate and continue the rich legacy of Palestinian art.