DNA

Born on December 20, 1952, in Gaza, Fayez Elhasani is a distinguished Palestinian artist. From an early age, he exhibited a profound passion for the arts, which inspired him to pursue formal education in the field. In 1979, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts, laying the foundation for a remarkable career as both an artist and cultural advocate. His journey as an educator began in Algeria, where he worked as an art teacher from 1980 to 1991. During this period, Elhasani also participated in numerous group exhibitions in Palestine and internationally, showcasing his passion and dedication to sharing Palestinian narratives through art.

His work often reflects the struggles and resistance of his homeland, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. Elhasani has held eight solo exhibitions across various countries, each capturing unique aspects of Palestinian heritage and identity. Notable exhibitions include Children of Stones (1989) and Uprising (1990) in Algeria, Rosy Dreams (2016) in Nazareth, and Features of the Homeland (2019) in Australia. His exhibitions in Gaza, such as Traditional Hymns (2000), Roots (2010), and Jerusalem is the Origin of the Story (2017), underscore his enduring connection to his roots.

Beyond his personal work, Elhasani has made significant contributions to the cultural landscape of Palestine. He designed theater backdrops in Gaza and created murals commemorating the martyrs of the Palestinian uprising. From 1994 to 1999, he served as Vice President of the Artists Association, advancing his mission to elevate Palestinian art and culture. In 2011, Elhasani founded the Roots Art Gallery in the Gaza Strip, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work. His efforts in organizing and coordinating international and local festivals, exhibitions, and workshops have solidified his reputation as a cultural leader. Notably, he chaired the steering committee for the Palestine International Festival (On the Road to Jerusalem) for six consecutive years.

Elhasani's artistic talents extend beyond painting. As a certified cartoonist for Amwaj Magazine for Mental Health from 1998 to 2017, he used his creativity to address important social issues. His dedication to education also led him to teach art in UNRWA schools until 2011, inspiring a new generation of artists. Recognized for his contributions, Elhasani has received numerous awards from various countries, and his artworks are part of both private and public collections. In 2011, he established the Rawasi Palestine Foundation for Culture, Arts, and Information, furthering his commitment to cultural advocacy. Through his art and activism, Fayez Elhasani has left an indelible mark on the Palestinian art scene and beyond, ensuring that the stories and spirit of Palestinian steadfastness endure through creative expression.

Tragically, two weeks after the outbreak of the genocide war on Gaza in October 2023, Elhasani’s home was bombed, resulting in the martyrdom of several family members, including some of his children and grandchildren. Elhasani, his wife, and one of his sons were also injured in the attack. The bombing destroyed a significant portion of his life's work—artworks he had devoted years to creating. Following this devastating event, Elhasani managed to leave Gaza for Australia to receive medical treatment. He is currently residing there with one of his sons, continuing his recovery while carrying the unyielding spirit of Palestinian resilience.