Souad Naser Makhoul
Born and raised in the city of Haifa, I have pursued diverse professional paths, establishing myself as a prominent figure in both urban planning and the arts. With a background in City and Regional Planning, Practical Civil Engineering, and Project Management, I have overseen the management and planning of various projects since 1989. Concurrently, my artistic endeavours have flourished, encompassing drawing, painting, and monument design for public spaces.
Alongside my twin sister, I hold the distinction of being among the first Palestinian artists born and raised post Nakba in Haifa. My upbringing was steeped in history and artistry. I grew up in a historic building once inhabited by Ibrahim Pasha Al-Khalili, former mayor of Haifa during the Ottoman mandate. My family operated a hotel for pilgrims visiting the holy land via Haifa Port. Despite residing in an area marked by demolition and abandonment, my family remained the sole Arab presence amidst the changing landscape.
From an early age, my artwork reflected the sombre realities of displacement and loss experienced by Palestinian communities. Drawing inspiration from the remnants of demolished quarters and narratives of displacement, I depicted themes of sadness and fear, often portraying displaced individuals and ruined homes. A significant collection of my early works explores the shared childhood experiences of my twin sister and me against the backdrop of the 1980s. Throughout my artistic journey, the motif of womanhood has been central, serving as a conduit to express inner strength and resilience.
In my current abstract figurative paintings, I seek to convey the interconnectedness between women and nature, endeavouring to express universal sentiments through body language and environmental interaction. Additionally, I champion environmental consciousness by utilizing recycled materials in my artworks. Beyond canvas and paper, my artistic contributions extend to public spaces, where I have designed sculptures that adorn squares and green areas. Notably, my statue of a woman playing the guitar in Kafr Yassif marks a significant departure, being among the first of its kind in Arab towns to celebrate and empower women. Moreover, I have engaged in illustrative and design projects, including collaborations with esteemed Palestinian poets and organizations.
In 2008, I founded the “Cities Gallery” project, dedicated to showcasing exhibitions spotlighting Palestinian historical cities. This initiative laid the groundwork for the establishment of the “Haifa Gallery” in 2019, situated in the historic Arab neighbourhood of Wadi Al Nisnas.
As the first Palestinian Arab gallery in Haifa since 1948, the Haifa Gallery serves as a hub dedicated to Palestinian art, culture, and heritage. Through exhibitions and a museum dedicated to Haifa’s history, the gallery aims to preserve and revive the rich cultural tapestry of the city’s historical neighbourhoods. Its recognition on the list of exhibitions in Haifa emphasizes its significance as a cultural institution.
