The Story
When Palestinians were exiled in 1948 during the Nakba (the catastrophe), they took their house keys, hoping to return in a few days or weeks. Throughout 75 years of ongoing dispossession, Palestinians have carried scents of their land in their collective memory and consciousness. 1948 weaves a story of resilience, identity, and connection to the land.
The Candles
A series of six candles merge motifs of pain and hope, longing and resistance. They carry scents and colors from the Palestinian landscape and the diaspora, evoking memories and emotions associated with the homeland. Consumable and transient in nature, the candles symbolize renewed hope.
The Candle Holder
The candle holder is made from upcycled tear gas canisters collected from the streets of Occupied Palestine, mainly Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem, and Nablus. Its form resembles the Palestinian key - a symbol of Palestinians’ right of return.
100 limited edition candle holders were fabricated in Palestine in collaboration with Akram Alwarah, a Palestinian artist based in Bethlehem, and Monther, a Palestinian artist based in Nablus. The challenges faced during the process, including the collection of tear gas canisters and transportation through Israeli checkpoints, add to the narrative and value of the candle holder as they embody the reality of life under occupation.\
١٩٤٨ Zine
The zine is a limited edition, handmade publication capturing the nuanced production process of 1948. It includes Majdulin’s sketches, thoughts, notes, illustrations, images, text, and her conversations with the artisans in Palestine.
What you will receive
Limited edition linen box
6 candles in all available scents
bespoke candle holder made from tear gas canisters
Zine
Project documents
Signed and numbered certificate of authenticity
