Episode 102: Growing up in Gaza, Using Painting to Cope with Trauma, Picasso, Travel, Racism and more with Malak Mattar: Palestinian Abstract Expressionist Artist

BS'ing with Sean K

In this episode of BS'ing with Sean K, Sean Kneese talks to Malak Mattar: abstract expressionist artist from the Gaza Strip. Today at age 20, Malak is known for her Picasso-like expressionist faces and abstract designs, painted largely in response to and a way to cope during and following the 51-day Israeli military assault on the Gaza Strip in 2014. What was originally a form of coping and self-expression became her passion and livelihood, and one that has been appreciated by people far beyond the borders of the Gaza Strip. Since her first watercolor, she has produced hundreds of paintings, which have earned her international recognition, with her paintings being featured in Jerusalem, Spain, Turkey, Costa Rica, India, and the United States. Malak talks about her art and the inspiration behind it, growing up in Gaza and under occupation, the recent Israeli annexation plan, Picasso, racism, travel and more.

Link to Malak's Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MalakArtStore
Malak on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malak_mattar_artist/


Relevant articles/sources: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestinians-and-israelis-rally-against-west-bank-annexation-plan
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53139808
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/07/israelopt-unlawful-annexation-plan-promotes-law-of-the-jungle-and-must-be-stopped/
Petition to stop annexation: https://www.change.org/p/u-s-senate-oppose-annexation-of-palestinian-land?recruiter=548915396&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_abi&recruited_by_id=978d8320-25de-11e6-8a68-4be4b986ae37