A Creative Union Born in Conflict
In a modest Sharjah apartment filled with canvas, color, and the laughter of four children, Palestinian artists Mohammed Al-Hawajri and Dena Mattar have rebuilt what war once shattered. Their relationship—both personal and artistic—has endured over two decades, marked by love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to art.
Their journey began in 2001 when Mattar, then a student with an insatiable curiosity for art, attended a course taught by Al-Hawajri in Gaza. Nine years her senior and under pressure to marry, Al-Hawajri saw something unique in her. “She was cheerful and smart, someone who really understood me,” he recalls.
Love Against All Odds
Winning her heart wasn't easy. Al-Hawajri's marriage proposal was rejected six times by Mattar's family, who were cautious due to cultural differences and social expectations. But perseverance paid off. Her father finally gave his blessing after a lengthy interrogation that felt more like a job interview.
The union that followed was built on mutual respect and shared dreams. Shortly after their marriage, Mattar traveled to France for an art residency while Al-Hawajri stayed home with their children, a gesture that surprised even her family. “They respected him more after that,” she said.
Art Under Siege in Gaza
The couple settled in the Bureij refugee camp in Gaza, where they transformed their home into a sanctuary for creativity. Their house doubled as a studio and meeting place for artists, journalists, and diplomats. Despite constant shortages and political pressure, they became icons of Gaza’s contemporary art scene.
As core members of the influential Eltiqa Collective, they organized exhibitions and nurtured the next generation of Palestinian artists. Their styles were distinct, yet complementary—each bringing a unique voice to a shared cultural narrative rooted in identity, memory, and tradition.
Survival and Displacement
October 2023 marked a tragic turning point. Intense bombardment forced the couple and their children to flee their home, eventually ending up in a tent in Rafah. For four months, they lived with little food, water, or shelter, enduring extreme conditions and the heartbreak of watching their home and studio destroyed.
Amidst the chaos, hope appeared in the form of a UAE golden visa previously obtained by Al-Hawajri. With help and careful planning, the family made the arduous journey from Gaza to Cairo and eventually to the UAE, salvaging what few artworks they could along the way.
A New Chapter in the UAE
Today, the couple is back to creating, exhibiting in prominent spaces like the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial and Jameel Arts Centre. Their work continues to reflect Palestinian stories, defiance, and dreams, proving that even in exile, their voices remain vibrant.
“Nothing was planned,” said Mattar. “But everything that’s happened has helped us grow. Being here is like heaven.”
Their journey is a powerful reminder of art’s ability to endure and transform, even in the face of profound loss. For Mohammed and Dena, the canvas is not just a place for beauty—but for survival, truth, and love.
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