A powerful travelling exhibition of artwork created by children in Gaza will be on display at Spark: York this week, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the lived experiences of young people growing up amid conflict – and the creativity they harness to process it.
Running from Monday 28 July to Sunday 3 August, the exhibition is hosted at Spark: York, 17–21 Piccadilly, and is brought to the city through a collaboration between York Palestine Assembly and Spark. It features 45 pieces of art created by children in Gaza, curated through The Artist’s Tent, an initiative founded by café owner Mohammed Timraz in Gaza, and Irish architect Féile Butler.
HeART of Gaza
Originally launched in July 2024, the project began as a partnership aimed at giving voice to Gaza’s youngest residents through visual storytelling. Since then, digital reproductions of the children’s work have travelled to cities such as Chicago, Rome, London, and Berlin – and now York joins the list.
Each piece in the exhibition is accompanied by a statement from the child artist, offering insight into their inner world. From abstract dreams to stark reflections of reality, the artworks explore themes of hope, fear, memory, and loss.
One of the young artists, Jory Abu Harb, reflects on how her relationship with art has been transformed by war:
“I have always loved art and drawing. Colours and paintings took me to other worlds full of beauty and creativity. I saw a story in every painting, and a feeling in every colour. But the war came and changed everything. Colours no longer filled my life, and paintings no longer expressed my dreams.
“Now, the brush is heavy in my hand, and the colours are faded in my eyes. The war stole my passion and left me searching for hope in the midst of destruction.”
Another child artist, Qamar Timraz (image featured at the top of this article), depicts both her dreams of a horse and the ruined landscape of her hometown, writing:
“Gaza has become a ghost city.”
Visitors to the exhibition will also have the opportunity to write messages to the children and their communities – messages which will be delivered directly by Timraz.
Finale event: a day of reflection and creativity – Saturday 2 august
A special finale event will be held at the same location on Saturday 2 August from 2.30pm to 10pm. The day will be divided into two sessions: a family-focused afternoon (2.30–5.30pm) with craft and poetry workshops, followed by an evening gathering (7–10pm) for adults, featuring conversation, reflection, and an interfaith vigil.
Baked goods, art materials, and poetry will accompany the events, and organisers hope that Mohammed Timraz will be able to join via video call during the evening session. Attendance is free, but booking is encouraged to help plan catering and materials. Tickets can be reserved via Ticket Tailor.
A message of shared humanity
The exhibition is supported by York Palestine Assembly, a coalition of groups including Health Workers 4 Palestine and Palestine Solidarity Campaign who raise awareness and solidarity for the people of Palestine. Spark: York, a local community interest company, provides a creative and inclusive venue for events that engage the public in meaningful social issues.
Organisers hope the exhibition will not only spotlight the resilience and humanity of Gaza’s children, but also serve as a call to empathy and connection in a world too often divided.
If you can’t make it to the finale event on 2 August, the exhibition remains open for viewing until Sunday 3 August.
Article based on press release.
