The opening of the exhibition “Unsettled Earth” in late April at the Spore House in Berlin marked a poignant moment in the ongoing struggle for justice and solidarity in Palestine. Antonia Alampi, the artistic director of the Spore Initiative, highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where over 50,000 people have lost their lives in what has been described as an ongoing genocide. Despite the gravity of the situation, Alampi noted that public solidarity in Germany is becoming increasingly restricted, with certain words like “Palestine,” “resistance,” and “return” being deemed unspeakable.
The exhibition challenges conventional narratives about Palestine, reframing it not as a mere regional conflict but as a universal struggle for land and liberation by Indigenous peoples worldwide. The artworks on display offer a poignant reflection on Palestinian life, resilience, and cultural memory. One of the featured paintings, “The Village Awakens” by Sliman Mansour, portrays the quiet endurance and connection to the land that defines Palestinian existence. Mansour’s work, like many others in the exhibition, serves as a testament to the resilience of Palestinian culture in the face of adversity.
Unlike traditional symbols associated with the Palestinian cause, such as the Keffiyeh scarf or the Palestinian flag, “Unsettled Earth” features elements like thistles and olive trees, symbolizing rootedness and steadfastness in the face of oppression. The exhibition, curated by Joud Al Tamimi and Lama El Khatib, showcases the work of over 13 artists, each offering a unique perspective on the Palestinian struggle.
Through various mediums such as video installations, paintings, and sculptures, the exhibition delves deep into the complexities of the Palestinian experience, urging viewers to look beyond superficial debates and consider the underlying issues at play. At its core, “Unsettled Earth” highlights the interconnectedness of the Palestinian struggle with global patterns of exploitation and extraction, emphasizing the importance of solidarity with Indigenous peoples worldwide.
In a European art scene often hesitant to engage with political issues, the Spore Initiative stands out for its commitment to addressing contentious topics like Palestine and land politics. By providing a platform for artists to explore these issues, the initiative is contributing to a broader conversation about justice, solidarity, and the power of art to inspire social change. In a country still grappling with the weight of its Holocaust legacy, the mention of Gaza remains a sensitive and contentious topic. The mere act of acknowledging Palestinian suffering in many public institutions can lead to criticism or even censorship. This dynamic sets the stage for a thought-provoking exhibition at Spore, where artists delve into the complexities of violence against the land and ecological resistance.
One striking piece in the exhibition is “Airdrops” by Bayan Abu Nahla, a watercolor painting that captures the aftermath of Israeli scorched-terrain military tactics in Gaza. The artwork depicts Gazans fleeing to the sea following a humanitarian airdrop that tragically resulted in the death of five civilians. Through powerful imagery, the artist sheds light on the weaponization of hunger and deprivation in the region.
In contrast, “Aʿmāl Al-‘Arḍ” at Spore showcases works by artists from the southern West Bank, offering a different perspective on the Palestinian experience. Photographs by Adam Broomberg and Rafael Gonzalez capture the resilience of ancient olive trees in the Occupied Territories, symbolizing endurance in the face of adversity. One photograph features the Al Badawi tree, believed to be the oldest living olive tree in the world, standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of the land.
The exhibition also includes a poignant display of archival photographs depicting Australian soldiers in British Mandate Gaza wearing gas masks while cutting onions. Glass onions, handmade in Palestine, hang alongside the images, symbolizing the resourcefulness of Palestinians in protecting themselves from tear gas. A quote from Isabella Hammad, a British-Palestinian novelist, reflects on the interconnectedness of global struggles, emphasizing how Palestine serves as a microcosm of larger societal issues.
As visitors engage with the exhibitions at Spore, they are not merely passive viewers but active witnesses to the stories and struggles of Palestine. The artworks on display invite reflection on the intricate web of connections that bind disparate communities and the resilience that emerges from adversity. By presenting Palestine not as a forgotten land, but as a place that reveals profound truths about our world, the exhibition challenges viewers to see beyond the surface and engage with the deeper narratives at play. It has long been known that regular exercise is essential for maintaining good physical health. But recent research has shown that it also has a profound impact on mental health and overall well-being. In fact, exercise has been found to be just as effective as medication in treating mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
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