For the past three decades, Ahmad Canaan has firmly established himself as one of the most prolific Palestinian artists of his generation. A graduate of the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, his work has become known for the use of motifs specific to the Palestinian collective experience alongside motifs taken from the Islamic artistic traditions.
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Through symbols such as olive trees and the dabkeh dance that connect to traditional heritage, or the refugee and key motifs that speak to the trauma of the Palestinian people, Canaan brings to life the moments that make up the Palestinian experience. His paintings and portraits of intimate family moments mix with paintings of social and
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political commentary. His monumental sculptures draw on local traditions and biblical themes to criticize and reflect on the Israeli-Palestinian context within which he operates.
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In addition to his work as an artist, Canaan is a curator, organizing numerous exhibitions in his hometown, Tamra and other Palestinian towns. He is active in the local art scene and has dedicated his life to making art accessible to the local audiences and to promoting art education, especially in Palestinian localities. His sculptures adorn public squares in many Palestinian towns and villages. In 2005 he established the Ahmad Canaan Art Gallery in his hometown Tamra where he hosts visitors and students from all over the country and world.
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Throughout his career Canaan participated in numerous local and international exhibitions in Tamra, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, Turkey, USA, Korea, Japan and Bangladesh. His work can be found in the collections of national and international institutions and in private collections worldwide.
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