A visual representation of the ongoing genocide in Palestine I: 7 October 2023 - 15 April 2024

Naba Yasir's aesthetically arresting work, “a visual representation of the ongoing genocide in Palestine” in tatreez embroidery, generatively expands traditional boundaries of art and activism. Through the intricate use of traditional tatreez, a symbol of Palestinian unity and resilience, Yasir's installation transforms ‘observers’ into living wit(h)ness, assisting us to bear witness to the stark reality of senseless violence and loss. By weaving together data sourced from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Palestinian fatalities into an affecting and deeply moving tapestry as living memorial, she transforms statistics into a language of cultural symbols that honour and lovingly witness the plight of the Palestinian people.

As Yasir explains: “Tatreez symbolises unity among Palestinians, woven together by their love for their homeland and resilience since 1948. This piece was presented as an installation. The large scale of the design forced viewers to confront the ugly, heartbreaking truth while observing a beautiful pattern.” 

Yasir's work expands traditional notions of bearing witness beyond legal frameworks, providing a deeper emotional and cultural engagement with the other, that holds vigil with each cross stitch.