Karima

Married to a Stateless Individual

Karima, a Moroccan dual citizen of the United States, finds herself impacted by statelessness due to her marriage to a Palestinian refugee. The inclusion of Karima in this series aims to highlight the fact that even by marriage her husband is still unable to obtain US citizenship, despite his long- standing residence within the United States. Thankfully, Their children are being raised as US citizens. It is worth noting that there are approximately 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees who live in a stateless condition worldwide.

The painting emphasizes the blend of Moroccan and Palestinian cultures, particularly highlighting the theme of marriage. Behind Karima, a Moroccan rug adorned with pigeon eyes (protection against the evil eye), two Quarida (also a symbol against the evil eye), the lion’s paw (symbol of strength and protection), an amulet, partridge eyes (symbol of women and beauty) and lozenges (protection) along the edges of the rug. Karima is portrayed wearing a modernized Moroccan dress, painted in white with Moroccan red roses. The garment’s red and white colors symbolize the traditional Palestinian red and white wedding attire.

The atmosphere to the left of Karima focuses on Palestine symbolism and landscape. In the foreground, blooming prickly pear cacti, known as sabar (opuntia cactus) to Palestinians, represent the ability to thrive in dry and harsh conditions, symbolizing patience and resilience. The word “sabar” in Arabic means patience. In the middle ground, behind Karina’s shoulder, a cistern is depicted, representing the essential component of life that holds the scarce water necessary for survival in the Palestinian region. The cistern leads the viewer’s gaze to the zaytoun, or olive tree, symbolizes lineage with strong roots and a deep connection to their homeland. Olive trees are protected during times of tension to prevent uprooting, burning, and vandalism. Olive trees are indispensable to the livelihood of the Palestinians. Lastly, A stone wall is portrayed in the background, symbolizing the limitations on people’s movement and the cultural barrier that separate them.