Asim Abu Shakra

Asim Abu Shakra (1961–1990)

Asim Abu Shakra, also known as asem abu shaqra, 'asim abu shaqra, assem abu shakra, was a palestinian artist born in 1961 in Umm el-Fahm, Israel. He was the seventh of ten children in a Muslim family. From 1982 to 1986, Abu Shakra studied at Kalisher Art School in Tel Aviv, washing dishes to pay his bills. In his second year of studies, he lived and painted in a room at the school, living on scholarships awarded by the school. After graduating in 1986, he worked for a printing company, eventually becoming a teaching assistant and a drawing instructor at Kalisher. In 1987, he met Eitan Hillel, a curator and gallery owner, who organized showings of his work. With Hillel’s help, he began to work at a studio on Nahmani Street in Tel Aviv-Yafo. He felt a perpetual sense of alienation as a Palestinian living in Israel that was echoed in his paintings. His friend, Ron Gang, reflected in a 2003 interview, “Asim identified completely with the Palestinian cause.” Abu Shakra died in 1990 due to cancer. Since his death, Israeli institutions like the Tel Aviv Museum of Art portrayed his cactus series as Israeli symbols despite his refusal of such interpretations during his lifetime. To Palestinians, the cactus series symbolized the plight of Palestinians in exile as well as Abu Shakra’s personal experiences. The depiction of cacti as potted plants further reflected resistance to uprooting.

Artistic Style and Themes

Abu Shakra's art is characterized by a sense of alienation as a Palestinian living in exile. His paintings often featured potted cacti, which symbolized resistance to uprooting and the plight of Palestinians in exile. He identified completely with the Palestinian cause. Asim Abu Shakra’s friend, Ron Gang, reflected that Asim Abu Shakra identified completely with the palestinian cause.

Notable Works

Some of Abu Shakra's notable works include Children and Planes, a drawing created in 1985, which measures 104 x 64 cm. Another significant work is Cactus, an oil on canvas painting that showcases Abu Shakra’s unique perspective on the human experience. He was diagnosed with cancer in his 20s, to which he succumbed in 1990.

Legacy and Impact

Israeli institutions like the Tel Aviv Museum of Art recognized Asim Abu Shakra’s cactus series as Israeli symbols despite his refusal of such interpretations during his lifetime. His work has been featured on platforms like WikiOO. Asim Abu Shakra's art is a reflection of his struggle with identity and his experience as a Palestinian living in Israel. His paintings feature a sense of alienation and resistance to uprooting.

References

Asim Abu Shakra was born in Umm el-Fahm. He was the seventh of ten children in a Muslim family. From 1982 to 1986, he studied at Kalisher Art School in Tel Aviv, washing dishes to pay his bills. In his second year of studies, he lived and painted in a room at the school, living on scholarships awarded by the school. After graduating in 1986, he worked for a printing company, eventually becoming a teaching assistant and a drawing instructor at Kalisher. In 1987, he met Eitan Hillel, a curator and gallery owner, who organized showings of his work. With Hillel’s help, he began to work at a studio on Nahmani Street in Tel Aviv-Yafo. He felt a perpetual sense of alienation as a Palestinian living in Israel that was echoed in his paintings. His friend, Ron Gang, reflected in a 2003 interview, “Asim identified completely with the Palestinian cause.” Abu Shakra died in 1990 due to cancer. Since his passing, Israeli institutions like the Tel Aviv Museum of Art portrayed his cactus series as Israeli symbols despite his refusal of such interpretations during his lifetime. To Palestinians, the cactus series symbolizes the plight of Palestinians in exile as well as Abu Shakra’s personal experiences. The depiction of cacti as potted plants further reflected resistance to uprooting.