The Faculty of Fine Arts at An-Najah University inaugurated the plastic art exhibition titled “Hawajes” in which more than 70 Palestinian artists participated and showcased their paintings and art works. The event was supported by the Palestinian Telecommunication Group (Paltel) and consisted of more than 120 different paintings some of which will be showcased in an exhibition that will be organized in several cities in the United Kingdom next month.

The Exhibition aimed to reinforce the Palestinian art movement and open new prospects for fine art graduates and instructors to express their thoughts through displaying their paintings in various international exhibitions. It also aimed to reinforce communication with the different local society institutions and fine art organizations around the world.

Prior to the opening of the Exhibition an opening session was held at Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Theater, New Campus which was attended by Prof. Rami Hamdallah, President of An-Najah University, Mrs. Lamis Alami, Palestinian Minister of Education and Higher Education, Mrs. Siham Al-Barghouthi, Palestinian Minister of Culture, Dr. Hasan N’erat, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Engineer Adli Yaish, Mayor of Nablus, Mr. Tayseer Nasrallah, Representative of Nablus Governorate, Lama Al-Shanti, Representative of Paltel, in addition to many students and artists.

Dr. N’erat delivered a speech in which he welcomed the attendants and thanked them for their interest in visiting the Exhibition. He also thanked the University President for his continuous support of the Faculty and its activities. Moreover, he said that the Exhibition contained more than 60 paintings presented by various artists.

Prof. Hamdallah welcomed the guests and said the University gives so much attention to art and supports the students’ creativity; it has worked on developing the students’ artistic potentials and skills ever since its establishment through its dedicated faculty. The Exhibition represented a chance for the artists to showcase their talents and creativity to the public and familiarize them with the modern techniques used to produce such art works.

Professor Manuel Hassassian, Ambassador of Palestine to the UK, valued in his speech the University’s efforts in supporting this exhibition and said taking this exhibition to the UK represents a good chance to introduce Palestinian art and artists to the world and encourage mutual exchange between them and their British colleagues.

Mrs. Alami said the art works presented at the Exhibition were unique and very impressive since they reflected many of the thoughts and themes that the artists have in their minds. She also emphasized the importance of supporting Palestinian artists through signing many agreements with other universities around the world.

Afterwards, Prof. Hamdallah, Mrs. Alami and Mrs. Al-Barghouthi together inaugurated the Exhibition. Among the most impressive art works was a model that represented the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem which was made by Mr. Said Al-Atabeh, one of the detainees in Israeli prisons.