DNA

 Born in the Gaza Strip in 1979, Mohamed AlMadhoun is a visual artist whose journey in the arts has been marked by passion, dedication, and an enduring connection to his cultural roots. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Al-Aqsa University and a Diploma in Illustration specializing in Children’s Literature from the Tamer Institute for Community Education, where he trained under French professor Daniel Maguet.

As an active member of the Fine Artists Association and the Arts Committee of the Directorate of Education, AlMadhoun has played a pivotal role in promoting artistic expression within his community. His achievements include creating a 36-meter mural in 2010 and a monumental natural stone installation during 2010–2011. Beyond fine art, he has contributed to interior design and decoration, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Mohamed has held several solo exhibitions. Notable among these are his 2017 exhibition, The Stone Uprising, at the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the YMCA, and his participation in the 2018 International Exhibition Art Revolution at the Chan Liu Art Museum in Taiwan. His earlier works include Strength and Challenge of Time at the A.M. Qattan Foundation in 2011, Khirbet Al-Louz under the Directorate of Education, his 2012 open studio titled Heritage, and Scent of Soil at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, France, in 2013.

 In addition to his solo endeavors, AlMadhoun has participated in numerous group exhibitions. Highlights include the 2014 Remnants exhibition at PADICO in Ramallah, the 2013 Artists for Palestine workshop and exhibition, and the 2012 exhibitions Features of Challenge at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and This is Also Gaza with Jordan’s Al-Mamal 612 Ideas Association. He has also showcased his work in Libya, Jordan, and Spain, among other international venues. As an educator, Mohamed has shared his expertise with students through his teaching role at UNRWA from 2005 to 2008 and his work with the Ministry of Education. His contributions extend to mentoring and serving on juries, such as his involvement in the 2014 Your Drawing, Your Idea initiative by the Zakher Association for Palestinian Women’s Development. AlMadhoun has continually sought to enhance his artistic skills through training programs, including a charcoal drawing and design course in 1996 and oil painting workshops in 1998. He has also supervised art courses for organizations such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Save the Children Foundation.

Mohamed was awarded a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris during 2012–2013 and received the 2010 Child Culture Award from the Culture and Free Thought Association. He has also participated in international events such as the Azemmour International Festival of Fine Arts in Morocco and the 2022 exhibition Color Ambition and Inspiration in Malaga, Spain. AlMadhoun’s artworks are part of several private collections. Through his art, Mohamed continues to inspire, educate, and advocate for the beauty and resilience of Palestinian culture.

Mohamed’s studio, located in his family home in northern Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp, along with his paintings spanning 25 years, were destroyed in the bombings and reduced to rubble. In addition, he lost seven other artworks at his workplace, where he had been preparing for a new exhibition. AlMadhoun sought refuge in a United Nations school near the border, which he describes as “a tragic life,” with thousands of people sleeping in stairwells, corridors, and even bathrooms. He was later displaced to Deir al-Balah, where he described his living conditions in a tent as "a hellish place."