#Rasha Eleyan

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“And in Palestine, Where it is [was] a crime to wave the flag of Palestine in Palestine, Watermelon halves are raised against Israeli troops, For the red, black, white, green of Palestine. Forever.” ~ Extract from ‘Ode to the Watermelon’ by Aracelis Girmay, Teeth, 2007

“Watermelon (We Don't Forget)” by Rasha Eleyan, 2023

Series: Zaghrouta Solidarity

Arty-Fact: "Before, Palestinian voices were hardly ever heard. They were interpreted by correspondents and journalists. Now with social media there is direct communication. As I see the widespread use of the watermelon emoji as symbol of both unity and solidarity I���m reminded that whoever banked on us dying or forgetting was sadly mistaken." ~ Rasha Eleyan

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[corvidaemnit]

In order to show my support for palestine, I thought I would make a post— in typical bird nerd fashion— highlighting some information about one of the many symbols of freedom for the palestinian people: the palestine sunbird.

you’ve seen this bird everywhere lately I’m sure,

so, you may be wondering.. why is this bird so important?

In 2013, Israel campaigned to remove ‘palestine’ from the bird’s name. this failed, however, when the palestine wildlife society (PWS) petitioned to instead adopt it as palestine’s national bird as a direct defiance of the campaign.

in 2015, the palestine sunbird was officially declared the national bird of palestine.

the palestinian artist khaled jarrar designed a border control stamp featuring the sunbird with which he stamped passports as a cry for freedom.

more recently, khaled jarrar has also created these postal stamps for the same message— in defiance of israel’s efforts to erase palestine.

here you can find an incredible, short documentary detailing his work across the years to use his art as a protest against the plight of the palestinian people.

another palestinian artist, rasha eleyan, uses the sunbird in her work as a motif for the strength and boldness of palestinian women:

(source)

the palestinian poet tamim al-barghouti has tied the palestine sunbird’s beauty to resilience, in saying: “whenever you face injustice or roughness, remember to defend yourself by finding beauty… document, prove, and defend it because all beauty is resistance.”

the palestine sunbird is a symbol of hope and strength. It’s a symbol of fighting back against the odds and refusal to go quietly into the night— refusal to be erased.

continue to support palestinian artists.

continue to support palestine.

raise the voices of those who now, more than ever, need to be heard.

from the river to the sea, palestine will be free.

[polkadotmotmot]

Rasha Eleyan - That Little Mouse, 2014

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International Women's Day : #EmbraceEquity #WomenCreatives

Happy International Women's Day!

Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women worldwide. At Addicted Art Gallery, we are proud to showcase some fantastic female artists whose works are as diverse as they are stunning. From abstract paintings that dazzle with colour and form to edgy photography that captures the entertainment world, these artists are truly inspiring. So on this special day, let's raise a glass to all the strong, talented, and creative women who continue to make the world better with their artistry and passion.

Cheers to you all!

Read more...

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Art With Purpose

Since 1948, cacti have served as a powerful symbol of resistance for the Palestinian people and artists. Like the resilient, prickly plant itself, it represents the strength of Palestinians to not only survive against all odds but to thrive and resist.

"Cactus - You Can't Rule Me" by Rasha Eleyan, 2024

Series: Revolution Is Female

Arty-Fact: “In 2021, UNESCO recognised traditional Palestinian embroidery by adding it to its Cultural Heritage List, a vital step toward safeguarding and raising awareness of this rich cultural legacy.

“Highlighting this achievement remains essential to preserving our Palestinian identity, heritage, and narrative in the face of ongoing attempts by the occupation to erase and appropriate it.” ~ Rasha Eleyan

About Rasha Eleyan

Rasha was born in Dubai to Palestinian parents.

From an early childhood, Rasha was mentored by her father, the great Palestinian artist Nasr Abdelaziz Eleyan in the art of drawing and oil painting.

She went on to graduate with a BA in Fine Arts from the Yarmouk University in Jordan, and advanced painting and nude drawing from the Libera Accademia Di Belle Arti of Rome.

Rasha’s artistic career began as an illustrator for children’s story books at just 18 years of age. She later became an associate producer at Walt Disney.

After having a very successful career as an illustrator and television producer, Rasha is now solely focussed on her art and combines her classical style with her love of cartoons to create a truly unique style.

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Art With Purpose

"If I had a horse, I would taste freedom without restraint. I would journey from Hebron to Haifa, crossing lands unbound by checkpoints, reclaiming a world free of barriers." ~ Rasha Eleyan

"The Bound Rider" by Rasha Eleyan, 2023

Series: Revolution Is Female

Arty-Fact: "Seldom has a gun-wielding female soldier escaped sexualisation in pop culture, while the narratives of women living under brutal occupation are glaringly absent. How does the Palestinian woman revolt? How does she resist?

"For her, existence itself is an act of resistance. The Palestinian woman has given voice to her anguish, trauma, and pain of life under occupation. Her life is a testament to resilience, dedicated to confronting unimaginable horrors at the hands of the occupiers. Today, as we witness unprecedented levels of brutality, we must recognise her extraordinary courage and unwavering strength." ~ Rasha Eleyan

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About Rasha Eleyan

Rasha was born in Dubai to Palestinian parents.

From an early childhood, Rasha was mentored by her father, the great Palestinian artist Nasr Abdelaziz Eleyan in the art of drawing and oil painting.

She went on to graduate with a BA in Fine Arts from the Yarmouk University in Jordan, and advanced painting and nude drawing from the Libera Accademia Di Belle Arti of Rome.

Rasha’s artistic career began as an illustrator for children’s story books at just 18 years of age. She later became an associate producer at Walt Disney.

After having a very successful career as an illustrator and television producer, Rasha is now solely focussed on her art and combines her classical style with her love of cartoons to create a truly unique style.

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"And I wish you all the love in the world, But most of all, I wish it from myself, And the songbirds keep singing." ~ Songbird, Fleetwood Mac, 1977 ✨ The Sunbird in the Land of Oranges I ✨ The Sunbird in the Land of Oranges II

~ Rasha Eleyan, 2024

Arty-Fact: For some, sunbirds represent joy, happiness, and new beginnings. In other cultures, sunbirds are seen as a symbol of hope and change. Sunbirds are also seen as a symbol of healing.

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☀️ Forever chasing the sun ☀️

✨ Olive-Backed Sunbird (Male) - Year Of The Dragon ✨ Olive-Backed Sunbird (Female) - Year Of The Dragon

~ Rasha Eleyan, 2024

Arty-Fact: "For the past two decades, Singapore has been my muse. The country and its people have profoundly shaped my artwork, inspiring me to share a piece of Singaporean nature and culture with the world.

"Now that I am in the UK, I am dedicated to preserving the essence of my Singaporean inspiration. To honour this, I plan to establish a new tradition: each Chinese New Year, I will create a hand-painted watercolour piece narrating the zodiac tale. This will be a signed limited edition of five.

"This series is my homage and heartfelt thank you to my friends and supporters in Singapore, who have championed my work from the very beginning.” ~ Rasha Eleyan

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"Not fragile like a flower…fragile like a bomb." ~ Unknown

"Revolution Is Female" by Rasha Eleyan, 2024

Series: Revolution Is Female

Arty-Fact: “My series Revolution Is Female serves as a way to deal with unexpected change – and trying to revolt against rules that are beyond my control.

“The series features still life art that is loaded with symbolism and is undeniably from a female perspective. It touches on women's rights and men’s authority, a demanding art market and trying to make sense of a world gone astray.” ~ Rasha Eleyan

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"How important is art as a form of protest? Very.” ~ Jeremy Deller

"A Whisper And A Scream" by Rasha Eleyan, 2024

Series: Revolution Is Female

Arty-Fact: Rasha's artistic journey extends beyond the canvas to the socio-political landscape of the Middle East. Her previous works, delving into themes like cultural heritage, have captured the essence of contemporary society in the region. The artist's unique pop art style becomes a vehicle for conveying powerful messages that resonate deeply with viewers on an emotional level.

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"To the wrongs that need resistance, To the right that needs assistance, To the future in the distance, Give yourselves." ~ Carrie Chapman Catt

"We Still Are" by Rasha Eleyan, 2024

Series: Revolution Is Female

Arty-Fact: "My series sheds light on the vital role of Palestinian women in revolting against the occupation. I am highly inspired by the Arabic saying "revolution is female", which, while commonly used in the Middle East nowadays, is mainly associated with Palestinian women.” ~ Rasha Eleyan

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"Oh Palestine, if your love was a crime then let history testify that I am a criminal for loving you.” ~ Unknown

"Aphrodite" by Rasha Eleyan, 2024

Series: Revolution Is Female

Arty-Fact: "Aphrodite" is from Rasha Eleyan’s Revolution Is Female series. The limited edition giclée print “is an attempt at screaming my frustrations at the top of my lungs, but doing it with as much subtlety and decorum as I can manage.

“It’s a collection channelling not just my experiences, but born out of the collective sense of loss in a time of confusion and uncertainty in this world.” ~ Rasha Eleyan

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"You have something in this world, so stand for it." ~ Ghassan Kanafani

"Resist, Don't Resist" by Rasha Eleyan, 2024

Series: Revolution Is Female

Arty-Fact: Rasha's artworks are not just aesthetically pleasing but also offer her perspective on contemporary culture and society – specifically the Middle East. Through her art, Rasha explores themes such as cultural heritage, using her distinctive style to convey powerful messages that resonate with viewers on a deep emotional level.

Rasha is adding her voice to a cause that has had a bearing on who she is her whole life - Palestine. And she’s doing it in her unique pop art style.

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A woman of strength knows that it is on the journey where she will become strong.

Introducing Rasha's new artwork in her ongoing "Revolution Is Female" series.

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Want to learn more about our Disney-obsessed, darling of pop art Rasha Eleyan? Check out her interview with Widewalls.

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"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous." ~ Aristotle

'Peony By The Window'

'Kingfisher By The Window' 

'Yellow Orchids By The Window' 

~ Rasha Eleyan, 2018

Arty-Fact: Rasha's prints of Singapore's nature and heritage combine realistic and pop art graphics.