SZ: On the Boards | FALL 2024

INTERNATIOAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

ZEYNE - Asli Ana (My Roots)

The lyrics of Zeyne’s Asli Ana are a powerful exploration of decolonial themes. They challenge the Western concept of "civilization," exposing how it has historically been weaponized to oppress, displace, and erase. Zeyne confronts the long-standing colonial narrative, highlighting how it justified the theft of our lands, the erasure of our culture, and the distortion of our history.

The song doesn’t stop at critique; it pushes us to question our internalized colonial norms, even in subtle aspects like dress and self-presentation. The line, “Record, I am an Arab, and I know my origin” moved me to tears. It is a poignant reminder of the resilience required to preserve our identity after decades of diaspora and displacement. 

Through poetic verses, Zeyne masterfully encapsulates the struggle to maintain our heritage while navigating a world that constantly demands assimilation.

In 1977, the General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (resolution 32/40 B). On that day, in 1947, the Assembly adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine (resolution 181 (II))

In resolution 60/37 of 1 December 2005, the Assembly requested the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Division for Palestinian Rights, as part of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November, to continue to organize an annual exhibit on Palestinian rights or a cultural event in cooperation with the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN.

The resolution on the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People also encourages Member States to continue to give the widest support and publicity to the observance of the Day of Solidarity.

COMMUNITY

AMER ZAHR visits the SZ Gallery.

It was with great pleasure that we welcomed Amer Zahr at SZ Gallery on October 11, prior to his performance of “The Truth” at Town Hall Seattle.

Amer is a Palestinian Arab American comedian, speaker, writer, academic, adjunct professor at University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He draws on his experiences growing up as a child of Palestinian refugees, performing and lecturing on topics like politics, society, culture, identity, Palestine, Islam and more.

In our recent elections, Amer is one of two Arab American candidates who secure seats on Dearborn Board of Education, making an Arab American majority for first time. Way to go, Amer!

For our friends in the DC Area, grab your tickets to Amer’s upcoming show, live at The Howard Theatre on Sunday, December 1st at 6PM.

ART

CONTROL ANATOMY by Mahmoud Alhaj

SZ Gallery presents Control Anatomy, an exhibit curated in collaboration with the Zawyeh Gallery in Ramallah, Palestine. This solo exhibition by Palestinian artist Mahmoud Alhaj explores colonial violence and the architectural mechanisms of domination and control over Palestinian geography witnessed by Alhaj who was born in Gaza.

Akin to a forensic investigator, Alhaj meticulously gathers traces of evidence left by colonial strategies that have distorted the landscape and delineated control and domination. Through his artwork, he layers photographs taken over the years and compares them to uncover changes over time. He discovers evidence in the wall, sewage dumps, military barracks, watchtowers, streets, roundabouts, and borders. Through the examination of the oppressive tools employed in the ongoing genocide and atrocities committed in the Gaza Strip, Alhaj reveals how the instruments of violence and control have shaped the day-to-day lives of those living in Gaza and subjugated Palestinians for decades.

Art Reception: Friday, December 6, 5 - 8PM
during Mercer Island Art Walk

Suzanne Zahr, a Palestinian-Lebanese-American Architect and owner of SZ Gallery is providing an outpost for Palestinian voices in the United States, and the first to represent Mahmoud Alhaj in the The Pacific Northwest for The Zawyeh Gallery.

“I continue to feature Palestinian Artists to amplify their distinct and diverse voices, putting their humanity on display through an artist's lens.  It's important that I showcase the Palestinian experience authentically, in order to dispel dangerous stereotypes and dehumanizing propaganda. My hope is for viewers to not only take refuge in the beauty, resilience and strength of the work, but to also offer prompts for empathetic and meaningful conversations about the art and culture of Palestine.”

“Mahmoud Alhaj's stunning collection struck me both personally and professionally.  As an Architect, I'm fascinated by his meticulous research and visualizations, demonstrating ways the built environment is designed to control, subjugate and oppress an entire population.  I am taken back by the historic use of Architecture and Civil Planning as tools of violence, witnessing its degrading impact on the daily lives of Palestinians in Gaza and throughout the Occupied Territories. This engineered control over basic human rights is in stark contrast to our ethical duties 'to protect the public's health, safety and welfare', as design professionals. I commend Mahmoud Alhaj for his rigorous techniques and arresting artistry, expressed in each masterful work of art presented within this exhibit, 'Control Anatomy.'”

Suzanne invites the community to view this unique collection in the spirit of empathy and curiosity, drawing their own artful interpretations.

SZ TEAM

Meet Muhammad - Architect | PM.

Late summer, Muhammad Arar joined SZ Design | Build, as a licensed Architect and Project Manager. He comes to us with eight years of professional experience and is excited to take the lead on various projects, including the Origin Salon Spa in Redmond, WA. Muhammad’s organization, creativity and collaborative spirit contribute to our positive team and client experiences throughout SZ’s Design | Build process. We’re thrilled to welcome Muhammad on board!

Get to know Muhammad through his responses to a few ‘getting to know you’ questions...