NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- 25-year-old Ahlam Abdel-Aty is a young sculptor and artist in the Gaza Strip. She addresses social issues, particularly women and children issues in her artworks. An official at the Tejwal Center for Culture and Arts‎, Ahlam Abdel-Aty said, “I did not expect to be an artist while I studied law. The art of sculpture is one of the oldest and finest plastic arts. In the past, people made sculptures to document their daily lives, starting with engraving stones, rocks and wood.

Free training courses

Pointing to the lack of materials and logistical capabilities, she said, “I decided to give free training courses. I faced difficulties in obtaining materials for sculptures due to the blockade of the Gaza Strip.” Noting that the art of sculpture is not limited to the design of aesthetic artistic forms, she said, “It is more traditional and based on the principle of diversity in art.”

“Children discover their skills”

Stating that she has given training courses especially for vulnerable groups such as women and children, Ahlam Abdel-Aty said, “The art of sculpture is the most difficult art and teaching children how to make sculpture is not easy. But I try to improve the skills of children. These courses provide spaces for children to overcome their problems, improve their talents and discover their skills that will help them to have a better future. Every session of the courses is three hours per day with the participation of more than 20 children, and more than 10 girls.”

“I have faced many obstacles”

Speaking about the obstacles faced by her, she said, “I have faced many obstacles in my artistic career. The most important one is the blockage that prevents me from participating in international festivals. Another one is the high price of raw materials.”

She addresses women’s issues

Pointing out that the number of women sculptors remains low, Ahlam Abdel-At said, “In the besieged Gaza Strip, we, as women sculptors, try to contribute to the development of our society by addressing social issues, particularly women’s issues.”