Interview with Sliman Mansour

Mr. Mansour is one of the most distinguished and renowned artists in Palestine.

We had an interview with Sliman Mansour. Mr. Mansour is one of the most distinguished and renowned artists in Palestine. His style embodies steadfastness in the face of a relentless military occupation. His work — which has come to symbolize the Palestinian national identity — has inspired generations of Palestinians and international artists and activists alike.

1- How can art effectively convey the tragedy and struggle of the oppressed Palestinian nation to the global audience?

Art can convey the spirit of the period. Art cannot represent incidents because this is the duty of journalism. Art can express the mood of the period. If artists express their ideas in a humanistic way and in a truthful way, art can have a strong effect, because we pass a dehumanization process from Israeli and Western pro-Israeli media. We have to rehumanize the Palestinian people and art is an important tool to do that, through good and honest art and not superficial messages. Artists should respect the people they are trying to influence first and foremost by respecting what they do.

2- Of all the paintings you have created, which one stirred the strongest sense of sadness within you?

Most of the work I have done about Gaza for several years. And specifically, the last one about the slaughter in Gaza.

3- In your artistic works, which elements do you emphasize and bring to the forefront?

Usually emphasize the human being or its traits. I feel I can express the human condition through the human figure much more effectively.

4- In your paintings, there is a significant focus on oranges and olives. Could you provide further insights into the symbolism and importance of these elements in your artwork?

From the early eighties and before when we started to search for symbols to express Palestinian Identity. We took from several sources like ancient art, and the cultures that dominated this area mainly Islamic art. Also, folk art and landscape were important sources of the landscapes. We used the olive tree to represent land that was occupied in 1967 and orange trees to represent land that was occupied in 1948. We took also the cantus plant, several flowers, and a Palestinian sunbird. The landscape was an important source of symbols.

5- What does Palestine mean to you?

Palestine for me means safety, freedom, history, love and beauty, and self-respect. As long as we are under occupation always a feeling of humiliation dominates people.