Ya Kanada

An ode to the complexity of the Palestinian Diaspora. From expulsions to refugee camps to being unwelcomed and then to starting a new life new language new culture while still working hard not to erase your roots. As a Palestinian-Canadian - that's what this painting is - a meeting of two identities. Rich with symbolism - the Palestinian designs, the Olive leaf, the Fig leaf, and an Arab-Canadian newspaper married into the art. This Mahmoud Darwish quote embodies this painting's sentiment well:

“He says I am from there, I am from here, but I am neither there nor here. I have two names which meet and part… I have two languages, but I have long forgotten— which is the language of my dreams” - Mahmoud Darwish