Gaza Refugee Camp Recreated In West Side Exhibit Featuring Work From Slain Palestinian Journalist

"Between Sky and Sea," an art exhibit on the realities of Gaza, opened at the Walls Turned Sideways gallery, featuring the work of slain Palestinian journalist Ismail Abu Hatab. Killed in an Israeli airstrike on June 30, Abu Hatab documented life in Gaza for over a decade, capturing both joy and despair. The exhibit runs until August 23 and includes multimedia elements such as photographs, videos, and a soundscape of aerial strikes, immersing visitors in the Gazan experience. Ghada Hamwi, a friend of Abu Hatab, highlighted the exhibit's theme of confinement, stating that Gazans find themselves trapped between the sky and sea. As the exhibit opens, more than 100 humanitarian organizations warn of impending mass starvation in Gaza due to blockades on essential supplies.

In the gallery, a tent simulates the living conditions of many refugees, displaying household items alongside Abu Hatab's impactful images. His work continues to resonate through the organization ByPa, which he founded to uplift Palestinian narratives. The exhibit serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for awareness and empathy.