My art is my voice, and right now, it screams for Palestine. I am an Irish political illustrator, and through my work, I try to capture the raw, unfiltered suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza. It’s a pain that, in many ways, feels familiar to me, to us, as Irish people.
One of my most recognised pieces is titled “What Links Ireland and Gaza?” In it, I explore the common threads of foreign rule that run through the histories of both our peoples. Growing up in Derry, a city that has known its own share of occupation and conflict, I developed a natural empathy for those living under similar circumstances. It’s as if there’s an anti-oppression sentiment embedded in our very DNA, an instinct that allows us to recognise injustice wherever it may be. This shared experience of loss, of resilience, and of the unyielding struggle for dignity is, I believe, why my work has struck a chord with both the Irish and Palestinian communities.
In a world saturated with political spin and media noise, I believe art has the power to cut through it all. It can distill a complex situation down to its most fundamental element: human pain. My goal is to create images that force people to pause, to look beyond the headlines and connect with the shared humanity of the victims. I want to keep their stories alive, to ensure that the world does not forget their suffering.
I draw inspiration from artists like Banksy, who have mastered the art of creating work with real substance and meaning. While I am just one person, an artist with a brush and a canvas, I am driven by the messages of support and warmth I receive from people in Gaza. Their words, while humbling and at times making me feel helpless in the face of such immense suffering, are also what inspire me to continue. My art is my form of solidarity, a small beacon to shine a light on their stories and to let them know they are not alone.
Reference: Tehran Times