​Maha Al-Daya, Palestine / France

​Maha Al-Daya is a Palestinian artist from Gaza. Her work explores themes of identity, memory, and resilience, often reflecting the socio-political realities of Palestinian life. In addition to her painting and multidisciplinary artistic practice, she is also engaged in the design and embroidery of traditional Palestinian dresses.
 
Over the years, Al-Daya has participated in numerous prestigious art residencies, including the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris (2012), appointed by the Consulate General of France in Jerusalem, and the Summer Academy at the Suha Shoman Institute, Darat al Funun, Amman (2001), under the nomination of the Khalil Sakakini Center in Ramallah.

Her work has been showcased in several solo exhibitions, including Not Just the Rubble (Shababik Art Gallery, Gaza, 2023), Places (FCI Jerusalem, Ramallah, Gaza, Bethlehem, 2012-2013), and Vision (Peace Center, Bethlehem, 2006). She has also participated in numerous group exhibitions worldwide, such as Face and Place (Wall Hotel Exhibition, Bethlehem, 2023), On Borrowed Time in Gaza (Monica Rees Gallery, Canada, 2021), and Contemplative Contradictions (Qattan Foundation, Gaza, 2019).

Al-Daya has contributed to various book design projects, including Contemporary Palestine (Mundi Collection, Italy, 2016) and Hope: Colours of Hope Expressions from Gaza (UNDP, 2010). Her commitment to art extends beyond exhibitions, as she actively engages in workshops, mural projects, and educational programs, particularly working with children with disabilities.

Meet Maha at the Atelier 11 Open Studio on May 24th, to learn more about her new project, The Path of Pain.




This residency is co-hosted in partnership with the Columbia Global Paris Center and Institute for Ideas and Imagination, as part of the Displaced Artists Initiative, designed to support artists who have had to leave their countries of origin due to extreme circumstances (war, natural disaster, political oppression).