All posts tagged: Unmute Gaza

“Unmute Gaza” Dispatch, Artist’s Participate in 83 Cities, 30 Countries

“Unmute Gaza” Dispatch, Artist’s Participate in 83 Cities, 30 Countries

March 7, 2024

In the midst of ongoing turmoil, the Gaza Strip is engulfed in a conflict that has now stretched into its fifth harrowing month. The escalating violence has led to the tragic loss of over 30,000 lives, including countless children, marking a somber chapter. Amidst this backdrop of sorrow and chaos, a beacon of artistic activism addresses the darkness: Unmute Gaza, a bold initiative melding the worlds of photojournalism and visual art to break the silence surrounding the war’s devastating human toll.

Artist, Raquel Aparicio. Photojournalist, Belal Khaled. (image © courtesy of Unmute Gaza)

Unmute Gaza represents a collective outcry against the indifference of the global community and media. This creative coalition has rallied around the poignant snapshots captured by five courageous Gazan photojournalists: Belal Khaled, Mahmoud Bassam, Sameh Nidal-Rahmi, Saher Alghorra, and Majdi Fathi. These photographers’ raw, unfiltered depictions of life amidst conflict are translated by artists worldwide. The striking images, reimagined as paintings and sketches, serve not only as powerful testaments to the human spirit but also as rallying cries for action and empathy.

Artist, Faith47. Photojournalist, Mahmoud Bassam. (image © courtesy of Unmute Gaza)

Highlighting the intersection of activism and art, the Unmute Gaza movement recently partnered with environmental powerhouse Greenpeace to unveil a compelling piece by renowned artist Shepard Fairey (video below). Inspired by Belal Khaled’s haunting imagery, Fairey’s work—portraying a blood-stained Palestinian child beneath the pleading words “Can you hear us?”—was dramatically displayed at Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum. This collaboration epitomizes the campaign’s reach and impact, with Unmute Gaza’s message resonating in public spaces across 83 cities in 30 countries worldwide, urging us to confront the harsh realities of war and to amplify the plight of people demanding to be heard.

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Greenpeace climbers unfurl an image by Obey based on a photo by photojournalist Belal Khaled. Reina Sofia Museum. Madrid, Spain. January, 24, 2024. (image © Greenpeace/Mario Gomez)
Greenpeace climbers unfurl an image by Obey based on a photo by photojournalist Belal Khaled. Reina Sofia Museum. Madrid, Spain. January, 24, 2024. (image © Greenpeace/Mario Gomez)
Artists, Maverick Mura and Axel Void. Photojournalist, Sameh Rahmi. (image © courtesy of Unmute Gaza)
Artist, Paola Delfin. Photojournalist, Belal Khaled. (image © courtesy of Unmute Gaza)
Artist, Paola Delfin. Photojournalist, Belal Khaled. (image © courtesy of Unmute Gaza)

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“UNMUTE GAZA”: New Art from Escif and Zacharevic

“UNMUTE GAZA”: New Art from Escif and Zacharevic

January 18, 2024

Today, we unveil new works from the Unmute Campaign, a dynamic and impactful movement supporting photojournalists in Gaza. This creative initiative transforms harrowing moments captured in conflict zones into evocative paintings and sketches. By doing so, the campaign plays a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of those who risk their lives to report the realities of these areas, no matter how dire. Joining the effort is a diverse group of international artists, including Ernest Zacharevic, Escif, and prominent figures such as Shepard Fairey.

Artist, Escif. Photojournalist, Mahmoud Bassam. (image © courtesy of Unmute Gaza)

This campaign represents a significant movement in the art world, where artists from across the globe interpret photo documentation from photojournalists on the ground in Gaza; the project partners with five active Photojournalists, Belal Khaled, Mahmoud Bassam, Sameh Nidal-Rahmi Saher Alghorra and Majdi Fathi. Their involvement in Unmute goes beyond artistic expression; it’s a testament to their commitment to raising awareness and fostering change in pressing global issues.

Artist, Escif. Photojournalist, Belal Khaled. (image © courtesy of Unmute Gaza)

Ernest Zacharevic draws upon his unique ability to blend art with its surroundings, creating pieces that resonate deeply within local and international communities. His environmental activism, mainly through his “Splash and Burn” campaign, highlights Indonesia’s urgent need for sustainable practices in palm oil farming. This initiative underlines his dedication to tackling environmental degradation and promoting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Escif, on the other hand, is better known perhaps for his art on the street that challenges societal norms and provokes critical thought. For instance, his work during the coronavirus pandemic offered a fresh perspective on societal attitudes and governmental narratives. Escif’s participation in the Unmute campaign reflects his reputation for keen insight into the complexities of social and political issues.
As these new pieces from the Unmute campaign unfold, they remind us of the influential role that art can play in shaping societal perspectives and driving action.

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Artist, Escif. Photojournalist, Belal Khaled. (image © courtesy of Unmute Gaza)
Artist, Ernest Zacharevic. Photojournalist, Belal Khaled. (image © courtesy of Unmute Gaza)
Artist, Ernest Zacharevic. Photojournalist, Belal Khaled. (image © courtesy of Unmute Gaza)

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