This fascinating memoir explores the personal and artistic journey of Palestinian plastic artist Tamam Al AKhal and her late husband, painter Ismail Shammout. Al Akhal and Shammout are considered founding figures in the tradition of Palestinian modern art. Their work features many iconic representations that capture the experience and sensations of the Palestinian Nakba, and both have acted as ambassadors of Palestinian art all over the world, where they exhibited paintings representing Palestinian suffering, pain and history.
Tamam Al Akhal’s autobiography offers a rare testimony on surviving the Nakba and on establishing a Palestinian artistic vision. Furthermore, it recounts the entire history of Palestinian plastic art, from its early beginnings up to the point of maturity, all while showing how brushes and colors can illustrate and capture the struggles of the Palestinian people, including the suffering of refugees.