DNA

Born in Gaza in 1994, Assaf Al-Khurati is a self-taught artist and a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Palestine University (2016). He gained his artistic experience through hands-on practice and continually strives to develop his skills by participating in various activities, events, exhibitions, and art workshops. Assaf aspires to carry on the legacy of his martyred uncle, the artist Abdul Hamid Al-Khurati.

Assaf is still on a journey to discover his unique artistic identity and style. Through the stages and experiences he has undergone, a profound connection has developed between him and his artwork. For him, art is not merely about the materials an artist uses; it is a spirit that interacts with the self and the senses, creating a distinctive bond between the artist and his creation.

Recently, he has discovered a passion for scrap metal art. He reshapes metal pieces such as nails, screws, and bolts, welding them together to create sculptures and statues of various sizes and forms. He draws inspiration from everyday life around him and the world of cinema. Over time, he has completed several pieces that he has showcased in group exhibitions. Al-Khurati finds hidden beauty in scrap materials, which many might consider waste. For him, metal—particularly iron with its rusted, gradient brown hues—carries emotional energy when transformed into new artistic forms. Items such as chains, gears, old keys, broken locks, discarded wires, and outdated workshop tools are often seen as useless and discarded. However, he sees them as materials brimming with creative potential. To him, scrap is not merely waste but a treasure trove of possibilities waiting to be uncovered and transformed into unique works of art.

He has participated in several group exhibitions, including the Gaza Contemporary Art Festival at Mashael Hall in 2016, The Palestine Nights Festival at Palestine University in 2016, Flowers of the Martyrs at Rawasi Center for Culture and Arts in 2017, In the Void at Shababik in 2019, Shadow Play at Shababeek ↗ in 2020, the 3rd Gaza Festival Ongoing Action in 2021, Connection exhibition at Shababik in 2021, Compositions at Dar Al-Kalima University in 2021, The Gift exhibition at the Ma’mal Foundation for Contemporary Art in Jerusalem in 2021, Mabni Lilma’zol at Rashad Shawa Center ↗ in 2022, Connection 2 exhibition at Shababik in 2023, and From Gaza to Red Emmas exhibition in Baltimore, USA, in 2024.

Originally from Al-Mughraqa in Gaza City, Al-Khurati lost his home, art studio, and all his artwork due to the genocidal war on Gaza. His displacement journey began in Al-Mughraqa, moving to Al-Nuseirat, then Khan Yunis, followed by Rafah, back to Al-Nuseirat, and finally settling in Deir Al-Balah. He currently resides in Basmat Amal Al-Shumuli Camp in Deir Al-Balah.