We are delighted to announce “Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free”, the first exhibition of comic art from Palestine of its kind to take place outside of the Middle East and North Africa region, which will be part of this year’s weekend-long event in Bowness-on-Windermere next month (26th – 30th September 2024).  

The curator, George Khoury, who is based in Lebanon and recognised as the region’s leading expert on Arab comics, and one of the key featured artists, multi award-winning Mohammad Sabaaneh, who is based in Palestine, will be joining the Festival’s diverse line up of comic creators over the weekend. 

As part of LICAF’s ongoing exploration of the fascinating world of Arab comics “Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free: Palestinian Comics Revealed” will present the work of twelve Palestinian comic artists in a unique installation designed by architects Rabih Koussa and Nabil Farhat, made from cardboard. Fragile yet resilient, paper symbolises the endurance of a people amidst the tempests of history. The installation reflects the traditional architectures of the region and will house the art of twelve Palestinian comic artists. Each fold and crease in this paper house reflects the complexities of identity, memory, and the unyielding spirit of the works. 

Through this ephemeral yet enduring medium, "Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free" invites visitors to witness bold strokes of defiance and gentle whispers of hope.

The installation will also feature five short videos by some of the featured artists, offering a unique insight in their owns words into themes such as personal identity to geopolitics offering remarkable perspectives on Palestine. 

The exhibition is supported by the British Council and will also be on display as part of the Thought Bubble Festival in November 2024 at Left Bank in Leeds in November. 

"Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free" features the work of, in alphabetical order, Iasmin Omar Ata (also known as Delta) and Marguerite Dabaie, Samir Harb, Nour Haifawi, Khaled Jarada, Amal Al-Nakhalah, Laila Abdel Razzaq, Mohammad Sabaaneh and Fuad Alymani.

Most of the artists now live in the Palestinian diaspora, including America, Germany and France and some were born in these countries or in refugee camps – but all their work is bound by their strong emotional connections to Palestine.

In addition, the Festival will be hosting a discussion between the curator George Khoury and one of the featured artists, Mohammad Sabaaneh, about the work and themes of the “Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free” exhibition, examining the different perspectives shared by a new generation of comic artists. 

“Palestine has been a constant subject in children’s comics magazines since their inception in the middle of the last century,” notes artist, writer and educator George Khoury, who has kindly provided a special introduction to the exhibition, to accompany the art. 

“Today, Palestine is telling its own intimate story through the narratives of its people spread across the planet. As the rightful owners of the cause, they deserve to have their voices heard, to embrace it, and to protect it from everyone’s bidding. 

"They, and only they, bear the answer – a dream of a ‘happy ending’ that has been yearned for over 75 years. Their cause is rooted in rights and justice, transcending the confines of political dogma, ideology, historical narratives, and geographical boundaries. They challenge us all to reconsider our relationship with the land, culture, individual freedom, and cultural gender identity.”

“The clamour of the past decades has tended to obscure the everyday lives and unique creativity of Palestinian comic artists,” notes Festival Director Julie Tait, “and ‘Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free’ seeks to reveal these unheard voices and experiences through an extraordinary installation featuring images and video material.

Rachel Stevens, Director of Literature at the British Council said:

“As a cultural relations organisation, our role is to provide a space for artists to openly share their work, promoting positive dialogue and creativity as a result. This partnership with LICAF aims to highlight the unique world of comic art. We are delighted to support a new generation of Palestinian artists showcasing their work to an international audience.”

• The Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free exhibition is free of charge and will be open at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival in Bowness-on-Windermere daily between 10.00am and 4.00pm from Thursday 26th – Monday 30th September 2024

• As well as appearing at LICAF this installation will reappear as an exhibition during the Thought Bubble Festival in November 2024 at Left Bank in Leeds from 6 – 28th November 2024