NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- Architectural engineer Raya Abu Musa decided to launch her own project to revive Palestinian heritage through mosaics after receiving the Youth Cooperation Award. Now, she organizes a training course for a team of 14 people.

“The art of mosaic has an Iraqi-Sumerian origin, and it consists of dividing the raw materials of glass or seashells into small cube-shaped pieces in order to produce mosaic-looking panels that express the history of societies. I was inspired by a visit to Tell Umm Amer where the remains of an ancient monastery feature a giant mosaic floor. I received many training courses at home and abroad in order to develop my abilities and skills and increase my efficiency in the art of mosaic according to international standards, with high quality,” she told NuJINHA.

‘I will hold an exhibition in three months’

Raya Abu Musa plans to hold an exhibition to display her artworks in three months. “At the exhibition, I will display 50 different panels that will blend ancient art with modern tastes. This exhibition will be the first of its kind in the Gaza Strip. I focus on showing the bright and eye-catching colors of the traditional clothes of Palestinian women,” she added.

‘Palestinian women are creative’

She emphasized that Palestinian women are always creative when they decide to be successful. Speaking about her journey, she said, “I wanted to leave a trace on the revival of Palestinian heritage in a new way that touches the mind of people and remains eternal in their memories. For this reason, I decided to combine architectural designs with heritage to produce mosaic panels that reflect the past and contemporary art together.”

‘I faced many obstacles’

Speaking about the obstacles faced by her, Raya Abu Musa said, “I faced several obstacles during my artistic journey, including the lack of tools, equipment, and raw materials such as stained glass and ceramics in the sector due to the lack of popularity of mosaic paintings. I made great efforts to obtain equipment and materials due to the ongoing siege on the Gaza Strip. We know that we will face difficulty in marketing and promoting the panels due to their high price and because people do not know anything about them, but I know that there are individuals who want to have their own mosaic paintings, especially since I make them in an attractive modern style.”