### Dima Srouji: Reclaiming Lost Heritage Through Art
After completing architecture degrees at Kingston and Yale Universities, Dima Srouji embarked on a meaningful artistic journey with her studio, Hollow Forms Studio. Her innovative practice stands at the intersection of various disciplines, as she collaborates closely with a diverse array of specialists, including archaeologists, anthropologists, sound designers, and glassblowers. This multidisciplinary approach enriches her projects, fostering a dialogue between contemporary artistic expressions and historical narratives.
During her tenure as the 2022-2023 Jameel Fellow at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, Srouji crafted replicas of Levantine glass artifacts that had been removed by Western archaeologists and institutions. Through her clear glass works, she seeks to reclaim Palestine’s lost heritage, challenging the narratives surrounding the historical belongings of different cultures. By invoking these complex histories, Srouji engages audiences in a reflective conversation about the implications of cultural appropriation and the responsibility of western institutions in recognizing their roles in these histories. Explore more of her work on her [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dimasrouji/).
### Abdul Rahman Katanani: Stories of Resilience Interwoven with Barbed Wire
Born in 1983 in the Sabra refugee camp in Beirut, Abdul Rahman Katanani is a third-generation Palestinian refugee, deeply influenced by his family’s history of displacement following the 1948 exodus from Jaffa. His artistic journey began at just 15 as a cartoonist, where he used satire to critique the mismanagement of United Nations aid and to depict everyday life in the refugee camp.
Katanani’s art evolved as he studied at the School of Fine Arts in Beirut, where he developed a unique political language. His works often utilize discarded materials like barbed wire, corrugated iron, and oil barrels, all easily sourced from the refugee camp environment. Among his most impactful installations are his massive waves crafted from barbed wire. These poignant creations mirror the tumultuous experiences of displacement, comparing Palestinian suffering to a tsunami that overwhelms hope and joy. His emotional and thought-provoking artworks resonate with the collective Palestinian experience. Follow his ongoing artistic journey on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/abdulrahmankatanani/).
### Samar Hussaini: Bridging Heritage with Contemporary Expression
Samar Hussaini’s artistry is deeply ingrained in her Palestinian heritage, seamlessly merging mixed-media fine arts with traditional Palestinian embroidery, known as *tatreez*. Born in the United States, Hussaini holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History and Studio Arts from the University of Maryland and has pursued further studies in communication design at Pratt Institute in New York.
Her work reflects a rich tapestry of cultural narratives, honoring the techniques and stories embedded within the traditional embroidery forms while addressing contemporary issues relevant to Palestinian identity. With each piece, Hussaini revives and reinterprets these traditional practices, ensuring that they remain vital in today’s art landscape. Her endeavors not only celebrate Palestinian culture but also provoke conversations around identity, memory, and resilience.
