Women Artists in Times of War | Lilies of Gaza (Arabic Episode)

Mar 2, 2026

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In an effort to preserve and document the work of 22 female artists from Gaza, a book titled Lilies of Gaza was created bringing together their paintings, voices, and stories. In this episode, we speak with the project’s curator, Inas Deeb, alongside artists Rana Batrawi and Mai Shaer, whose works have been featured in the collection.

Together, they reflect on what it means to create art an under siege and bombardment, and how they managed to overcome cultural erasure in times of genocide.

The book is published by Dar al-Kalima University Press- Rami Zahi Khouri Hub. It is compiled by Inas Deeb and Rana Batrawi, edited by Hidaya Shamun, reviewed by Ehab Bessaiso, designed by Sharif Sarhan, and translated by Wala’a Sabbah. Foreword written by Vera Tamari.

This episode is hosted and produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Video Editing by Ahmed Ashour. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Special thanks to Power Group Studios- Beit Jala. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This conversation was recorded on January 17, 2026. You can watch it on YouTube, here.

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture, and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists, including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Dar Al-Kalima is a Palestinian University located in Bethlehem specialized in Arts, Culture & Design. Visit their website and follow them on Instagram (@daralkalimauniversity)
Follow Mai Shaeir on Instagram (@maishaer_art)
Check out Rufaida Sehwail’s art

Relevant Tarwida Episodes:

Listen to our episode with Malak Mattar