In the war-torn Al-Nasr neighborhood of Gaza, 21-year-old Palestinian artist Aby Qershala has painted a striking portrait of American rapper Macklemore on the ruins of a bombed building. The mural serves as a tribute to the musician’s vocal advocacy and financial assistance for civilians enduring the ongoing conflict. Noting the professional backlash the rapper recently faced, Qershala explained, “After seeing that Macklemore was removed from the remaining concerts of Ed Sheeran’s tour for supporting Palestine, I wanted to create this mural to show my thanks and gratitude.” The war had destroyed over 30 of Qershala’s previous murals, initially driving him to quit art entirely before friends and family urged him to pick up his brushes again. Returning to his craft with a renewed purpose, the young artist stated, “I want to depict all those who have shown solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the people of Gaza because our cause is just.”
Prev
1 of 4
Next