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The refugee figure in Canaan's work has become an icon that repeats across multiple works and various media. In these replications, the refugee figure is undefined, symbolic of every Palestinian. The Palestinian refugee roams across his work wearing the keffiyeh, seeking to resettle in the homeland. The innumerable repetitions of the figure allude to the numerous Palestinians still displaced, still waiting to return. These figures fill the large-scale compositions, engulfing the viewer and entering them into the turbulent feeling of displacement dominating the composition.
In The Refugee 4, the figure is seen from behind, carrying his few belongings in his hands, heading into the void dominating the painting and enhancing the feeling of displacement.


 

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