ART FOR MATERIAL AID
BECAUSE care is not a noun, it’s a verb
in collaboration with INDEPENDENT ARTISTS AGAINST GENOCIDE from naarm and beyond
CLICK on the hands ABOVE TO ENTER THE ARTISTS 4 MATERIAL AID SHOPFRONT
01.09.2024
Today is the first day of Spring here in the southern hemisphere, and at the time of writing these words, our world is now 331 (385 - ammended 26.10.2024 ) days live streaming a Genocide.
We, the people, clearly do not have the immediate power to stop the horror and devastation, but we can, immediately, ensure that our Palestinian brothers and sisters don’t starve, that they have access to clean water, that they can stay connected via eSIMs, and that they can afford the medicines that are available, or transport costs to escape new evacuation orders or a tent so they are not homeless.
I believe that as artists we have a responsibility to More than just the work we make. And, as humans, we have an obligation to always fight for the humanity and dignity of all - or lose something deeply important within ourselves that, once gone, can never be retrieved again.
It is with this deeply held belief that I, and my fellow contributing independent artists, offer our work for sale to provide Material Aid to our Palestinian kin. Each Artist has nominated an individual, family or Gazan-led, grassroots Mutual Aid community initiative to which the proceeds of the sale of their work will be donated.
Many have chosen to discount their work to generate funds quickly so it’s a real opportunity to pick up an art bargain while you’re doing good.
*each works’ nominated recipient will receive the full sale price (less Stripe fees, gst, and a small climate contribution).
and ALWAYS accepting art from independent artists who are keen to contribute - please make contact.
Should you wish to donate rather than purchase an artwork, OR, as well as, please do so via the button below. Donations will be collected until they reach a minimum of $100 at which time they will be redirected to one of the following grassroots, Gazan-led, community mutual aid initiatives
BEACON GAZA
PEACE CHARITY ASSOCIATION
PIONEERS OF GOODNESS
SEWING FOR SOLIDARITY
WATER OF HOPE FOR GAZA
anastasia la fey
anti-genocide art monster…
at this point, if your solidarity isn’t material, then it’s bullshit.
buy some art
or DONATE for redistribution where it’s needed most
defiance by design
a man of few words, crafting custom sculptures and decor in steel, bone & wood.
materials have been salvaged or recycled.
fester demos
Fester is a multidisciplinary photographic artist whose work ventures into the realm of surrealism, weaving uncanny moments and evocative visions of memories past. With a foundation in traditional photography, Fester employs a hybrid approach that blends classic techniques with imaginative storytelling. This fusion results in strikingly dark-themed images infused with a playful twist of camp humour, creating a unique narrative experience that both challenges and entertains.
“I wanted to be actively involved, to contribute beyond just marching and showing up. As a student with no steady job and barely managing to make rent, I understood that any opportunity to help was worth seizing. While donating artwork might seem like a small gesture in the face of larger issues, it’s still a meaningful contribution.
Art can serve as a powerful tool for positive change. By donating your work, you can support essential needs like clean water, food, medical care, and communication for those in need. If you’re unable to contribute financially due to the high cost of living, consider this an invitation to get creative: donate your art, or if you don’t have any, make some. Every effort, no matter how small, adds up and makes a difference.”
hego
Hego is a multidisciplinary Visual Artist, based in Gadigal / Sydney, Australia. Hegos work shares stories and calls people to action with illustration, paintings, murals, photography, zines & documentaries. His work often focuses on collaborating with local communities to help amplify undertold stories.
hussain aljrlawy
Hussain Aljrlawy is a talented and passionate 18-year-old Palestinian artist and photographer. He says of himself, "I am interested in art and comic drawing and am seeking to develop my talent. I was very active in the art community before this war started.My dreams of creating and selling paintings together with my friends have now been replaced with grief, as several have passed away or relocated out of Gaza."
Hussain and his family were forced to flee to a residence of family friends in Deir al-Balah on October 13. The neighbours who gave them transportation were slain, and the house they were staying in was shelled. They’re now living in terrible conditions in a small tent with no windows, doors, electricity, or water, whilst facing the significant and devastating loss of family and friends.
Hussain dreams of showing his work in galleries all around the world.
ken tanaka
I’m an artist and art instructor in Japan. I create floral drawings and patterns with ballpoint pen, pencil, and markers. Rather than follow a plan or structure, the direction of my work meanders and takes form with spontaneity. I encourage my students to take a less structured approach to art, one that centers the experience of creating, rather than the finished product.
Since 2023, I have been using my artwork as a channel to start conversations about Palestine. I host Art for Palestine in Tokyo, a bi-weekly session where participants draw and talk about Palestine and what we can do to support liberation and resist occupation from Japan.
I believe that my art should come from my heart, and there is so much sorrow there right now, as well as hope. Using my art to raise funds for Palestinian families has given me purpose again.
matt o'carroll
I like to make things that reflect on the core memories of my childhood and early teen years. Shitty HB pencils on any kind of paper, collecting basketball cards and games of 21 in the driveway of my cousins home until the sun went down. When I’m creating these pieces, responsibility, stress and worry melt away and for that moment I’m 11 years old again.
I was drawn to this initiative and have recently donated heaps of art as a means to further the monetary donations I’ve made to organisations doing good in the world. The idea of giving another person out there an opportunity to have their responsibility, stress and worry melt away for a moment brings me much fulfillment. It’s human to want to help. Until Palestine is free I will keep donating anyway I can.
nida ansari
Nida Ansari is an artist from India and a participant in national and international art shows. Having sold her work in India, Dubai, Canada, London, and the US.
Following a successful art career in India, Nida moved to the US almost half a decade ago to start a new life and renewed art career, and has been painting in the margins of her chaotic and beautiful life as a wife and mother.
Nida’s subject matter is nature, whether flowers, mountains, or trees. She is uniquely attracted to light and shadows and strives to capture this beautiful contrast in her paintings. capturing the light is everything! She believes it can change the subject matter within seconds.
Nida uses traditional watercolour techniques and materials. She believes her chosen medium is a balancing act between control and spontaneity and loves the challenges this elusive medium presents since there is no going back and correcting once the water is dry!
renata filippi
Renata Filippi is a photographer based in Naarm (Melbourne)
Her photos walk the line between ‘social documentary’ and ‘street photography’, the priority being to convey a feeling. Her images are a testament to the energy of urban life and the human condition, a celebration of connection and the uniqueness of one’s spirit.
“Contributing my art is a small gesture to support those in need - so please consider doing the same, whether it be through art or donation, it will make a world of difference.“
Sondos Al-Saqqa
Sondos was born January 9th, 1995 in Palestine, Gaza. She has suffered all kinds of tragedy; lost, pain, destruction, starvation, the list is endless under Israel's genocide in Gaza.
She studied English Literature at the Islamic University of Gaza.
She always repeats to herself:” The bullet that doesn’t kill me, it gives me life again!” From here, she starts her adventures in life.
They said: “Grief is medicine”, but she says writing is medicine. She is a writer. She writes in both Arabic and English. She had two brothers only. She enjoys cooking, reading, and chatting with friends. This is her first book of poetry.
sam strong
Sam is a Naarm / Melbourne based photographer with a focus on street / documentary photography.
Over the past 8 months Sam has been consistently documenting the Free Palestine Melbourne movement. He has been moved by what he continues to witness occur in Palestine and strives to make a difference in whatever way he can through his work.
Set to hold his first solo show in November as part of HeadOn International Photography Festival, he hopes to elevate the issue on to a broader platform and humanise the movement through his images to the wider public. Sam has also nominated 100% of sales on images from this exhibition to PARA Foundation. An organisation helping Palestinian migrants and refugees live safe, happy, and fulfilling lives in Australia.
X&
An omni-dimensional, trans-national, spell-weaving, arte-strega. Dance floor oracle, creator of worlds, painter of spirits, restorer of garments. X& conjures their experiences of a unique visual field, extrasensory perceptions of reality, and reverence for the divine through their paintings, textile work, and movement. Based around Naarm through the summer and across Europe in the other summer, X& has lived experience in community support, people movement, expressive movement, static arts, as well as design for the body and living space. Their arrival brings with it an omen of Spring’s awakening. Their work explores themes of life as a genderblent, mixed ethnic, trans-abolitionist, neuro-emergent ball of magic. Very influenced by early childhood interactions with video games and the inexplicable, X&’s visual work acts as a tapestry of visual metaphors. Visually, X&’s work is a product of an interdependent community of selves. Formally trained as a Youth Work practitioner, their experience in community development and peer support predate this qualification. X& applies their understanding of the powers that be to symbolically visualise and document a new reality. By refining community spaces and supporting those who do so, they hope to reduce harm and make further spaces for people to gather, share, and engage one another meaningfully. Dabbling in writing, choreography, theatre making, cabaret, group singing, gallery making, creative mentorship, and academic engagement are also integral to realising the collective vision of a different world. X&’s shapeshifting role as a sex worker both informs and hones their focus on change towards collective healing. Through working across the planet, they have developed an interest in editing, lighting design, staging, and production in its many forms. The art chimera continues to grow new powers. Just as the sacred continues to be sacred, the art must be made, the people must come together, and in their namesake X& will continue to be an omen for fortunate becomings wonderful revelations, bountiful treasures, &…
WORKS FROM THE FOLLOWING ARTISTS COMING SOON…
bendy pen
Bendy Pen is the artistic alter ego of Benjamin Hancock, an award-winning contemporary dancer and performance artist. Known for his vibrant persona as Bendy Ben in drag, queer, cabaret, and club scenes, Benjamin seamlessly channels his talents across various forms of expression. His journey as an artist began with doodles in high school, and he has since digitized an expansive body of work. Influenced by 90s cartoons, video games, and software characters, his art fuses fantasy with nostalgia, drawing inspiration from masters like Dalí, Picasso, and Klee. Bendy Pen’s creations are a vivid blend of imagination, childhood reverie, and surrealism.
gabona leather
laurie breakwell