The Braids Rebellion: Artistic Recreation of Palestinian Girls' Acts of Resistance in Israeli Prisons

As the artist of "The Braids Rebellion," I present an artistic project that recreates 25 scenes depicting Palestinian girls under the age of 18, who were imprisoned by Israeli authorities between 2015 and 2016. These scenes, often ignored as fleeting news items, capture acts of resistance within the prison system. The project is inspired by a 2017 event in Hasharon prison, where Palestinian prisoners cut off their braids and donated them to cancer patients after hearing a radio appeal for hair donations. This symbolic gesture of solidarity, made under harsh incarceration conditions, reflects life’s continuity and defiance within oppressive spaces.

"The Braids Rebellion" demonstrates the concept of "life as origin," where the imprisoned reject their victimisation and use their bodies as instruments of rebellion. Smuggling their braids out of prison, these girls resist isolation and contribute to life beyond the prison walls. Through photography, audio, and repetition, the project magnifies these scenes, compelling viewers to confront forgotten narratives and question societal apathy toward such acts of resistance.

This paper discusses how art serves as a medium to memorialise marginalised voices and resurrect overlooked stories. By merging historical events with artistic representation, "The Braids Rebellion" challenges audiences to engage with complex political realities and the resilience exhibited within the carceral system under occupation.

Note :

Since its inception, “The Braids Rebellion” has been showcased in prominent exhibitions across various esteemed institutions:

• May 2024 - October 2024: Featured at the Middle East Institute, Washington D.C.
• May 2023 - December 2023: Displayed at the Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris.
• November - December 2018: Exhibited at Qattan Gallery, Ramallah, marking one of its early presentations.