ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Paolo Pellegrin's Gaza portraits on view at Palermo University

exhibition · 2026-04-26

At the University of Palermo's Aula Magna, Magnum photographer Paolo Pellegrin showcases three portraits of young Palestinian survivors as part of the initiative 'Crossing borders, popoli in movimento'. This project, curated by Alessandra Borghese for Fondazione Ghenie Chapels and in partnership with the University of Palermo, spans three years and features discussions. The triptych titled 'La Pietà di Gaza' draws inspiration from Pellegrin's report 'Escape from Gaza', which appeared in the New York Times on December 18, 2024. The individuals depicted—Maram Khassim (5), Sham Musselem Abu Holi (8), and Mohammed Al Jafari (19)—were relocated to Abu Dhabi for medical care. The exhibition builds on previous works by Claire Fontaine and Yuri Ancarani while aligning with the Department of Law's initiatives.

Key facts

  • Paolo Pellegrin exhibits three portraits of young Palestinian survivors at University of Palermo
  • Project 'Crossing borders, popoli in movimento' curated by Alessandra Borghese for Fondazione Ghenie Chapels
  • Collaboration with University of Palermo, academic coordinator Prof. Paolo Inglese, rector Massimo Midiri
  • Triptych titled 'La Pietà di Gaza' from reportage 'Escape from Gaza' published in New York Times on December 18, 2024
  • Subjects Maram Khassim (5), Sham Musselem Abu Holi (8), Mohammed Al Jafari (19) evacuated to Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
  • Italy's Gaslini Institute and Meyer Institute provide medical support in Abu Dhabi
  • Earlier installations included Claire Fontaine's neon sculpture and Yuri Ancarani's films
  • Project integrated with law department's migration clinics and programs

Entities

Artists

  • Paolo Pellegrin
  • Claire Fontaine
  • Yuri Ancarani
  • Alessandra Borghese
  • Paolo Inglese
  • Massimo Midiri
  • Armando Plaia
  • Nicolas Casey
  • Maram Khassim
  • Sham Musselem Abu Holi
  • Mohammed Al Jafari

Institutions

  • Magnum Photos
  • Fondazione Ghenie Chapels
  • University of Palermo
  • Faculty of Law, University of Palermo
  • Clinica Legale Migrazioni e Diritti
  • Migrare
  • New York Times
  • Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
  • Istituto Gaslini
  • Istituto Sandro Meyer

Locations

  • Palermo
  • Italy
  • Abu Dhabi
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Gaza Strip
  • Genoa
  • Florence

Sources