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The events of 1948 had a
jolting effect on Palestinian talents. Many found their way into art
academies and institutes.
Ismail Shammout was one of
these Palestinian talents. In 1948, he joined his Lydda townsfolk
in the infamous march to exile. He decided to go to Cairo, where he
enrolled in the College of Fine Arts.
While in the college, Shammout
was influenced by images of human suffering in the refugee camp
where he lived for two years. Later on, he converted all that into
the “theme” of his art.
“I still have the
influence of the images of human suffering in Palestine and not
because I am a Palestinian, but because it is a human issue and the
struggle of our people for a better life.” Says Ismail Shammout.
In 1953, he packed up the
large collection of paintings and drawings he had created in Cairo
and proceeded to Gaza, where he held his first exhibition. It was
the first to be held by a Palestinian artist on Palestinian land.
Over 60 works - oil paintings, watercolors and drawings - were
displayed, including his now famous “Whereto.”
This exhibition was not only
successful, it became a Palestinian “event.” To the public, it was a
moment of intense emotions coupled with pride, as they saw one of
their kin graduating to the ranks of established and recognized
artists. For Shammout, it was a great boost to his self-confidence
as well as to his belief in art.
“ At that time was
difficult because we [artists] were along. We did not received help
but now we have organizations and associations that help us a lot.”
Addedd Ismail Shammout.
In 1953, another young
Palestinian, Tamam Al Akhal, arrived in Cairo. Born in Jaffa, she
was sent there by her parents to study art. In Cairo, she met
Shammout and participated, along with fellow Palestinian artist
Nihad Sibasi, in Shammout’s second exhibition. The event was
inaugurated by President Jamal Abdel Nasser on Feb. 21, 1954.
Palestinian painting had
celebrated its Arab debut.
“We
shall continue dealing with this subject because its a way
people can now more about the suffering, sadness, dreams…of our
country. All these works are a gift to our people and one day they will be hold in a Palestinian
museum.” Shammout said to the Jerusalem Forum.
For further
details of his work you can go to:
www.shammout.com
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