Zuhdi Al Adawi and Mohammed Rakouie

While imprisoned in Ashkelan prison, Zuhdi Al Adawi taught himself to make art. His expressionist drawings depict the psychological anguish and physical torture he endured there. He now lives in a refugee camp in Damascus, Syria.

Zuhdi Al Adawi, “Ashkelan prison art in Israel”, Crayon and cut pillowcase linen

Zuhdi Al Adawi, “Ashkelan prison art in Israel”, Crayon and cut pillowcase linen

Muhammad Rakouie taught himself how to draw with the materials he could acquire–crayon and cut pillowcase linen, while imprisoned in the notorious Ashkelan prison in Israel. Palestinian artists are prohibited from using the colors of their flag or making overt reference to their struggle for liberation and autonomy. The design elements within his smuggled paintings refer to Soviet abstraction and social realism. He risked great pain and additional punishment by creating these images, which stylize prison life and captivity. He now lives in a refugee camp in Damascus, Syria.

Muhammad Rakouie, “Ashkelan prison art in Israel”, Crayon and cut pillowcase linen

Muhammad Rakouie, “Ashkelan prison art in Israel”, Crayon and cut pillowcase linen