Writing Homelands
‘A place is not only a geographical area; it's also a state of mind. And trees are not just trees, they are the ribs of childhood.’
Lament for a lost land, Journal of an Ordinary Grief. Mahmoud Darwish
What makes a homeland and what does it mean to leave and lose it?
Join a writing workshop with poet Laila Sumpton on the 4th of July 14:30 - 16:30 at P21 Gallery which will thoughtfully explore Alan Gignoux’s photography exhibition ‘Homeland Lost’ which pairs portraits of Palestinian refugees with landscapes of their villages in former Palestine.
We'll write thoughtfully in response to ‘Homeland Lost’ through writing activities in the gallery, facilitated conversations and the optional sharing of written work. We'll create a group written piece out of the questions that photos elicit and create visual more lyrical pieces inspired by the themes that you find in the exhibition.
Prose and poetry writers over 18 of all abilities are welcome, and you can write in whatever language feels most comfortable.
HOMELAND LOST: THE PALESTINIANS
In Homeland Lost Alan Gignoux juxtaposes portraits of Palestinian refugees with photographs of their former homes or villages in what is today Israel. The photographs for Homeland Lost were taken from 2004-2005 and featured in solo and group exhibitions internationally from 2006-2011. Homeland Lost was produced with funding from the British Council in East Jerusalem. A Middle East tour was made possible by the AM Qattan Foundation.
The workshop will be delivered by Laila Sumpton.
Laila Sumpton is a poet and educator whose writing projects investigate history, memory and human rights. She co-founded arts education CIC Poetry Vs Colonialism and has edited numerous anthologies including ‘'Where We Find Ourselves' an anthology from Global Majority writers published by Arachne Press. She has worked with Alan Gignoux andJesuit Refugee Services on their ‘You can see me, but I do not exist’ photography and poetry project, as well as leading workshops for the British Library, Keats House, Chisenhale Gallery and Gallery Showrooms.
