UNMUTE GAZA has transcended borders, seizing the Guggenheim in New York, adorning buildings in Mumbai, and streets throughout Spain—its impact spanning 21 countries and 31 cities and counting. In its latest move, the project collaborates with renowned American artist Shepard Fairey, adding his creative prowess to an international roster of visual artists, who are creating posters for the public to print and paste worldwide.
As of December 17th, the Committee to Protect Journalists has declared the deaths of 64 journalists and media workers, 57 Palestinian, 4 Israeli, and 3 Lebanese; making Gaza one of the deadliest conflicts for journalists in recent memory. Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders are accusing Israel of committing war crimes against journalists who are providing a critical check on wartime propaganda in the age of fake news. UNMUTE GAZA emerged as a creative response to government and media silence, and the misinformation that followed.
Born out of the deafening silence of governments and media outlets, UNMUTE GAZA stands as a creative response to misinformation, asserting its support for photojournalists courageously upholding ethical reporting standards in the face of unimaginable conditions on the Gaza ground.
For the past seven weeks, accomplished visual artists have collaborated with four photojournalists from Gaza—Belal Khaled, Mahmoud Bassam, Sameh Nidal-Rahmi, and Saher Alghorra. With the photographers’ consent, these artists translate the journalists’ harrowing experiences into poignant paintings and sketches. All resulting artworks are offered as free assets for public dissemination, transforming into global interventions that have been documented and compiled exclusively for this release. The accompanying short video features the evocative music of Palestinian-Algerian-French-Serbian musician Saint Levant.
Even as artists speak out in solidarity with Palestine, their actions come at a cost. Recent weeks have witnessed Lisson Gallery postponing Ai Wei Wei, The Saarland Museum canceling Candice Breitz, and Art Forum firing editor David Velasco over an open letter addressing the situation in Gaza.
In the midst of global division, art emerges as a powerful force reconnecting us with our shared humanity. As the movement cuts through the noise of politics and global economics, its resonant statement echoes around the world, urging further action and empathy.
“WE DO NOT AGREE, WE ARE NOT COMPLICIT, WE ARE NOT LOOKING AWAY.”~ UNMUTE GAZA
Ends.
www.unmutegaza.com / @unmutegaza / #unmutegaza
Unmute Gaza is anonymous. For press enquiries please contact [email protected]
