Gaza artist transforms grief into art amid genocide

Turning personal tragedy into resilience, Ahmad Adawy channels the pain of war into powerful, evocative art

GAZA, Palestine (MNTV) – Amid the genocide in Gaza, Palestinian artist Ahmad Adawy has channeled his grief and resilience into art that poignantly captures the human cost of war.

Adawy, once renowned for his vibrant animations and hopeful illustrations, has seen his artistic journey reshaped by the harrowing realities of life under siege. 

His Instagram, once a canvas of joy, now portrays somber and evocative imagery of displacement, loss, and enduring strength.

At 41, Adawy is a senior illustrator and art director who co-founded Cubineers, an animation and illustration studio in Deir al-Balah, in 2014. 

Known for producing engaging media content, the studio became a beacon of creativity in the region before being destroyed in the aftermath of October 7.

“Before the war, my life revolved around my passion for cartoons and animation,” Adawy shared. 

“My work was filled with color and joy, a creative escape from the hardships of life in Gaza,” he added.

Now, his art reflects the emotional toll of war. A striking piece depicts a family huddled under an umbrella as bombs rain down, symbolizing his instinct to protect his loved ones. 

“This artwork reflects my helplessness but also my unbreakable commitment to shield my family,” he explained.

Despite losing his studio and much of his work, Adawy remains steadfast. 

He continues to create from his northern Gaza home, preparing for an upcoming international exhibition while sharing his work on social media as a form of resistance and expression.

Roots of resilience

Raised in a refugee camp and educated at UNRWA schools, Adawy’s journey is deeply intertwined with Gaza’s enduring spirit. 

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Al-Aqsa University, itself damaged by Israeli airstrikes.

Adawy’s early works, such as Children of Stones, captured the resilience of Palestinian youth during the First Intifada. 

Despite the constraints of the Israeli blockade, Cubineers became a leading creative force, sharing stories that resonate globally.

“Our work was not just a source of livelihood but a way to share our creativity with the world,” Adawy noted.

As a husband and father of three daughters, Adawy’s perspective has evolved. 

“Before the war, my art celebrated beauty, hope, and a vision for a brighter future,” he said. 

“But now, the fear in my family’s eyes with every explosion reminds me how fragile our world has become.”

Through his art, Adawy transforms both personal and collective tragedy into powerful statements of resilience and hope, affirming that even amid devastation, the human spirit endures.