On March 24, hundreds of artists, performers, and activists gathered on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Those assembled unveiled an 18-meter-long canvas featuring embroidered, drawn, or printed designs by over sixty artists expressing solidarity with Gaza residents.
The canvas predominantly showcases elements in red, black, and green - the colors of the Palestinian flag - with varying artistic styles and approaches to the theme. It includes references to famous masterpieces as well as images depicting scenes of violence and civilian suffering in Gaza.
Rebecca Goyette, a member of the initiative group behind the project, explained that the idea stemmed from perceived limitations on expressing solidarity with Palestinians and the perception that any criticism of the Israeli government is equated with antisemitism.
"Many artists have faced contract losses, missed opportunities, and canceled performances each time they voiced support for a ceasefire," Goyette stated, as reported by The Art Newspaper. "We cannot forfeit our right to express opinions and advocate for Palestine's interests."
The group is selling prints of the canvas elements they created, with proceeds benefiting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York stands as one of the world's largest museums, renowned for its extensive collection of European art and unique assemblage of works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists.
