Study of a Cypress Tree
120x140 cm, Linen, wool, natural indigo, cotton thread, wooden dowel. 2025
Study of a Cypress Tree pays tribute to one of the most enduring motifs in Palestinian embroidery – a symbol of hope and resilience. Across seven stages of abstraction, the cypress shifts in form but never in meaning: an unwavering silhouette, steadfast against time.
I became a mother in October 2023, navigating early parenthood while reflecting on what it means to be an Arab mum today. When invited to take part in SiLa, I felt compelled to dedicate this work to the children of Gaza. Proceeds from any eventual sale will be donated to a charity supporting them.
The fabric is dyed with natural indigo, a pigment deeply rooted in Palestinian heritage. Beyond colour, indigo was believed to shield against the evil eye. Red threads, recalling lifeblood and the heart, bring vitality – an emblem of protection against darkness.
The Cypress Tree appears here as part of a thobe neckline from Gaza, a Qilada motif. In Gazan textile traditions, as in Palestine more broadly, Qilada motifs are more than ornament; they serve as wearable jewelry, carrying talismanic power.
This work was created in collaboration with Inaash, who support craftswomen in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
