Palestinian Artist
Renowned Palestinian artist Fathi Ghaben, a symbol of resistance through his vibrant depictions, passed away at 77 in Gaza. Denied exit by Israeli authorities for medical treatment, Ghaben, suffering from chest and lung issues exacerbated by Gaza’s harsh conditions, succumbed amid the ongoing conflict.
Born in 1947 in Gaza’s Harbia village during the Nakba, Ghaben’s family faced displacement due to Israeli occupation, settling in the Jabalia refugee camp.
Despite selling newspapers to support his family, Ghaben harnessed artistic talents from a young age. His life witnessed the 1967 war, Intifadas, and challenging transitions between working in Israel and pursuing art.
Ghaben’s poignant artworks, reflecting his people’s everyday resistance, adorned Palestinian lands, overcoming adversity and limited resources. Despite financial struggles, he passionately advocated for the power of art beyond profit.
A founding member of the Association of Fine Artists in Gaza, Ghaben established the Fathi Ghaben Center of Arts, nurturing talent. Amid arrests for “inciting violence” through art, his arrest during the second intifada sparked protests for artistic freedom.
Denied medical travel during the Israeli offensive, Ghaben passed away, leaving a void in Palestinian art. His death is a loss acknowledged by the Palestinian Ministry of Culture.
The cultural devastation in Gaza, intensified by airstrikes destroying hubs and claiming artists’ lives, underscores the broader tragedy.
Fathi Ghaben’s legacy resonates as a representative voice for Palestinian artists, his art reflecting a profound, compassionate narrative of the struggle against occupation. His words echo his commitment: “My paintings reflect my soul, a mental, social, and deep national ocean of passion and compassion.”
