Maliheh Afnan is regarded as one of the most prominent Palestinian artists of the 20th century, whose work transformed personal displacement and collective memory into a universal artistic language. Born in Haifa in 1935, she lived through the experience of exile and migration, themes that became central to her artistic vision.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in a culturally rich Palestinian environment, Afnan’s passion for art was evident from an early age. After completing her early education, she pursued higher studies in Beirut before moving on to the United States and Europe, where she specialized in fine arts and immersed herself in abstract and contemporary artistic movements.
Her Artistic Signature
Afnan’s works are distinguished by their fusion of abstraction and symbolism, often rooted in Arabic calligraphy, ancient scripts, and Eastern motifs. Her canvases were not mere decorative pieces but visual texts that conveyed narratives of exile, memory, and identity.
She frequently employed earthy tones and aged textures, giving her art a sense of history and permanence. Exhibiting in major cities such as London, Paris, and New York, Afnan succeeded in bringing Palestinian art into the global spotlight.
Philosophy and Vision
For Afnan, art was a means of preserving memory and narrating the human experience. Through her work, she explored themes of displacement and identity while creating a bridge between Eastern heritage and Western contemporary practices.
Legacy and Achievements
Afnan’s work has been acquired by prestigious institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the British Museum, alongside several private and public collections worldwide. She passed away in London in 2016, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and solidify her place as an enduring icon of Palestinian and Arab art.
