Mohammad Ma’ali was born in 1992 and has lived in Dheisha Refugee Camp in Bethlehem since.

Ma’ali before his work.

Says Mohammad:

“I started drawing when I was a child and was lucky enough to take an art class. I worked hard in this class for three years. After high school I pursued an art degree at al Quds University. I believe that art is the best way to express myself and my cause. Art is a part of me.

I want to live in the world as other human beings do, in peace, freedom and dignity. Most people have homes to live in, but Palestinians only carry the memory of their homes inside of them. As a Palestinian refugee, art is the sole medium where I can freely express myself. I cannot express myself with words; if I could, I would not draw.