Beautiful Works of Art by Israeli Artist Ednah Schwartz

Palestinian Girls of the Intifada?

Palestinian Girls of the Intifada? Oil on Canvas Board, 8” x 10” (sold)

Palestinian Girls of the Intifada Painting By Israeli Artist Ednah Sarah Schwartz
Palestinian Girls of the Intifada Painting By Israeli Artist Ednah Sarah Schwartz

The tree trunk is bent leaning over the young girls in a protective manner. The politics of their family, friends and the “street” has swept them up to the cause. These girls are young and easily swayed by “I Should, I Must” that is part of being young and a need to belong. The lines are strong rendered almost in a furious dither. The tree acts as a shield. However, the observer does not yet know the outcome and what role these youngsters will play, if any.

This evocative imagery captures the tension between innocence and the weight of societal expectations. The tree symbolizes a nurturing force, providing shelter and safety, yet it also highlights the precariousness of their situation. As the girls navigate their identities and the influences surrounding them, they embody the duality of hope and uncertainty inherent in youth. The dynamic brushstrokes convey a sense of urgency, reflecting the tumultuous environment that shapes their lives.

Ednah invites viewers to contemplate the impact of external pressures on the choices and aspirations of young people, prompting reflections on agency and responsibility. The unresolved fate of these girls serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of growing up in a world marked by conflict and competing ideologies, urging us to consider the broader implications of their journey and the potential for change.