Palestinian artist's installation reimagines stairs, bathtub as bomb shelter

Palestinian artist installation Dubai

Palestinian artist Dima Srouji's childhood memories of using home structures as bomb shelters inspire her latest art installation, "This Is Not Your Grave," presented in Dubai as part of the Alserkal Arts Foundation's public art commission. The installation comprises three shelters—Hearth, Library, and Sanctuary—each reflecting the artist's experiences and aiming to provide a space for gathering, mourning, and reflection.

Growing up, structures like staircases and bathtubs served as makeshift bomb shelters for Palestinian families during times of war. Now, artist Dima Srouji brings her childhood memories to life through an art installation in Dubai, titled "This Is Not Your Grave." Commissioned by the Alserkal Arts Foundation, the installation comprises three shelters—Hearth, Library, and Sanctuary—each evoking the memory of architectural spaces used as physical shelters during crises.

"These spaces made us feel safe not because they were architecturally sound, but because they were spaces where we would gather as a family, have meals together, and distract ourselves," says Dima. The installations are designed not just to tell her own story but also to provide an outlet for UAE residents to gather and mourn collectively.

"The three commissions are designed for the Palestinian diaspora in Dubai and for communities of struggle to gather together in grief and mourning," explains Dima. The shelters serve as a space of decompression and security, allowing visitors to transform trauma into moments of reflection and solidarity.

The interactive nature of the installation encourages visitors to engage with the spaces. In the Library, visitors are invited to sit and read, with the option to bring additional books relevant to the space. Hearth provides a space for gathering and enjoying meals, while Sanctuary offers a place for meditation and prayer, facing the direction of Ka'abah.

While the intent of the design may vary based on community use, Dima's message of resilience remains constant. Her installation is part of "Walk with Me," the Alserkal Foundation's public art commission curated by Zoe Whitley, offering a platform for artists to share their stories and create spaces for reflection and connection within the community.