Artists in exile from Gaza

Four Palestinian artists who fled Gaza after the Israeli military operation following October 7 now live in France. They include a press cartoonist, an architect, a sculptor, and a painter, all of whom have left their homeland due to the conflict.

Safaa Odah’s journey to France

Safaa Odah, 42, a Gazan press cartoonist, has been in exile in France since September 2026 through the Pause program. This initiative, run by the Collège de France, provides emergency accommodation for scientists and artists in exile.

Sara Alqataa’s artistic mission

Sara Alqataa, 34, an architect, is also part of this group. She uses her work to transmit memory and preserve the cultural heritage of her people, even while living far from her homeland.

Creating amid trauma and hope

The four artists, three women and one man, describe being deeply affected by their experiences in Gaza. Despite the trauma, they continue to create art as a means of maintaining their sense of self and cultural identity.

Art as resistance and resilience

They view their continued artistic practice as a form of resistance and resilience. Through their work, they aim to stay upright in the face of adversity and share their stories with the world.