Written in Rubble
Graffiti can represent a signature, a protest, a memorial, or a warning.
In Gaza, it becomes a lifeline and a form of evidence. Across fractured walls, it records who was here, what was lost, and what is still demanded.
Families forcibly separated leave notes with directions and prayers for those left behind. Neighbors memorialize the names of martyrs. Doctors mark their legacy in the face of erasure. Each mark insists on presence: We were here. We are here. These markings are more than paint. They are testimony for the world to witness.
Photographer: Belal Khaled
Location: Gaza, Palestine
Original graffiti text in Arabic: أنا أراك .. هل تراني؟
Translation: I see you.. do you see me?
In this photograph, children climb and play on a shattered wall. Beneath them, a painted face emerges through layers of writing. The largest phrase reads:
“I see you… do you see me?”
We chose to include this line into our installation "Life in Rubble" intentionally placed directly across from the photograph UNSEEN.
Together, they ask for more than a glance. They insist on recognition of the lives portrayed before you.
Photographer: Jamal Nabulsi
Location: Qalandiya camp, Palestine
Original graffiti text in Arabic: الحرية وعد مثل الموت لا ترد ولا تزول
Translation: Freedom is a promise like death, you can’t stop it and it won’t disappear”
Photographer: Unknown
Location: Gaza, Palestine
Original graffiti text in Arabic: قوية يا غزة
Translation: Strength in Gaza
Photographer: Unknown
Location: Gaza, Palestine
Original source unknown, news article source
Original graffiti text in Arabic: باقون كالزعتر والزيتون
Translation: We remain like za’atar (thyme mix) and olives