Spanish museum holds photography exhibition about Gaza

Spain’s Thyssen-Bornermisza Museum in Madrid opened a free exhibition on September 23rd showcasing photographs of war-torn Gaza, organised in collaboration with the UN agency for Palestinian Refugees.

The exhibit aims to “awaken sleeping consciences” around the conflict, according to Arab Weekly via AFP on September 24th.

One of Spain’s most famous museums, the Thyssen forms part of Madrid’s so-called “Golden Triangle of Art”, together with the Prado Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum, which holds Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica.

Named “Gaza through Their Eyes”, the museum’s new temporary show features 27 photographs, which are not signed. The choice to display their work unsigned comes as a safety measure, as Israel has barred foreign reporters from entering Gaza and forced international media to rely only on local journalists and photographers, who are constantly put at risk. According to Reporters Without Borders, over 210 journalists have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched military operations in response to Hamas’ attack on October 7th 2023.

The photographs displayed in the main hall of the Thyssen show the challenges faced by Gaza residents daily. In the midst of widespread destruction, Palestinians are shown reaching for humanitarian aid, being forced to flee their homes and depending on school-turned-shelters for housing.

The museum’s artistic director, Guillermo Solana, stated that the organisation’s goal with the exhibit is to evoke a deeper reaction out of those who “still refuse to see and turn away from what is happening” in Gaza. At the opening of the exhibition, Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun said that the images are “not distant”, but instead that they showcase “human gazes that compel us to recognise the dignity of a people who are suffering”.

Spain has been one of the most vocal European critics of the attacks on Gaza. Pedro Sanchez, the country’s Prime Minister, has previously called for a ceasefire, demanded a ban on Israel from international sporting events and, most recently, approved an arms embargo on the country in response to their offensive in Gaza.

Gaza Through Their Eyes will remain on display in the main hall of the Thyssen-Bornemisza until October 19th, with free entry for all visitors.