2025 SDN Visual Storytelling Festival Speaker Series

I Grant You Refuge: Gaza Photo Exhibition

Tuesday, April 15, 1:30 pm ET via Zoom

Paolo Patruno, Curator
Shadi Al-Tabatib, Photographer

Photograph by Shadi Al-Tabatib.

"I Grant You Refuge” is a collective photo exhibition featuring extraordinary images by six photographers from the Gaza Strip, representing the dozens of photojournalists who live and work in the area, eyewitnesses to one of the most devastating conflicts of our time.

The exhibition aims to give voice and visibility to the suffering and atrocities that the Palestinian people are enduring, in the deafening silence of the Western media.

The exhibition takes its name from one of the last poems by Palestinian poet Hiba Abu Nada. The poem was written just ten days before she died a martyr, killed in her home in south Gaza by an Israeli airstrike on October 20, 2023.

“Being a Palestinian is a story of resilience, pain, and hope intertwined. Every frame captured carries the weight of a nation struggling for justice and peace. Photographers document
not just destruction, but also the unyielding spirit of the Palestinian people, the children playing amidst rubble, the silent strength of mothers, and the steadfastness of a community that refuses to be broken.

Being a journalist in Gaza is not just about holding a camera; it’s about risking everything to show the world the truth. Photographers are not immune to the violence they document, standing in the line of fire, they are targeted just like the people they stand among.

Through their lenses, they strive to preserve truth and humanity, hoping that the images can break the barriers of indifference and spark solidarity.”
                      —by Shadi Al-Tabatibi

Shadi Al-Tabatibi

Shadi Al-Tabatibi is a professional photographer from Gaza with extensive experience in photography since 2013. His passion for photography began when he purchased a camera with his wn savings, and since then, this passion has transformed into a career filled with achievements. Shadi initially focused on capturing the beauty of Gaza City, including lives of its people. He later expanded into photojournalism, skillfully combining both photography and videography.

In 2020, Shadi specialized in drone photography, excelling in this field by showcasing the city’s beauty from fresh, innovative angles, reflecting his expertise in covering major events. His work has been recognized by prestigious international agencies.

In addition to his career as a photographer, Shadi has participated in numerous local and international competitions, demonstrating the value and impact of his work in the artistic arena. His work is characterized by a unique style that combines creative vision with technical precision, enhancing his ability to convey visual stories and human experiences in a powerful and moving way.
 

Paolo Patruno

Paolo Patruno is socialdocumentary photographer and filmmaker. He traveled throughout Africa for more than ten years, documenting global topics, including health care, human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment. Since 2011 he is working on a long term project called “Birth is a Dream” which aims to document and raise awareness about maternal health in Africa, extended to developed/industrialized countries. He has been published by The Huffington Post, Vanity Fair, Daily Mail, REFINERY29 and other publications. His work has been awarded on an international level.

Sponsors: