“Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free”, the first exhibition of comic art from Palestine of its kind to take place outside of the Middle East and North Africa region, opens at Left Bank in Leeds today, 6th November, running until 28th November 2024, as as part of this year’s Thought Bubble Festival.
Left Bank Leeds is a progressive space for creativity, culture and community, set inside a beautiful Grade II* listed former church building. Events include music performances, a monthly writers group, “Doodle Chats” run by Edek Thompson, zine making events and more.
Supported by the British Council, the exhibition is part of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival’s ongoing exploration of the fascinating world of Arab comics.
The curator, George Khoury, who is based in Lebanon and recognised as the region’s leading expert on Arab comics.
“Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free: Palestinian Comics Revealed” presents the work of twelve Palestinian comic artists in a unique installation designed by architects Rabih Koussa and Nabil Farhat, made from cardboard. Fragile yet resilient, paper symbolises the endurance of a people amidst the tempests of history.
The artists featured are, in alphabetical order by given name, Abdelrazaq Leila, Al-Nakhala Amal, Al-Shamali Shahd, Amer Shomali, Ata Iasmin Omar (also known as Delta), Dabaie Marguerite, Harb Samir, Hifaoui Nour, Jabareen Michael, Jarada Khaled, Sabaaneh Mohammad, and Yamani Fuad. Most of the artists now live in the Palestinian diaspora, including America, Germany and France and some were born in these countries or in refugee camps – but all their work is bound by their strong emotional connections to Palestine.
“Palestine has been a constant subject in children’s comics magazines since their inception in the middle of the last century,” notes artist, writer and educator George Khoury.
“Today, Palestine is telling its own intimate story through the narratives of its people spread across the planet. As the rightful owners of the cause, they deserve to have their voices heard, to embrace it, and to protect it from everyone’s bidding.
“They, and only they, bear the answer – a dream of a ‘happy ending’ that has been yearned for over 75 years. Their cause is rooted in rights and justice, transcending the confines of political dogma, ideology, historical narratives, and geographical boundaries. They challenge us all to reconsider our relationship with the land, culture, individual freedom, and cultural gender identity.”
“As a cultural relations organisation, our role is to provide a space for artists to openly share their work, promoting positive dialogue and creativity as a result,” Rachel Stevens, Director of Literature at the British Council has said previously of the exhibition. “This partnership with LICAF aims to highlight the unique world of comic art. We are delighted to support a new generation of Palestinian artists showcasing their work to an international audience.”
• The Left Bank is at Cardigan Road, Burley, Leeds LS6 1LJ and online at leftbankleeds.org.uk
• Thought Bubble is online at thoughtbubblefestival.com
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Art and Illustration, Comic Art, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions, Other Worlds
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