An Interactive Walk Through the Palestinian Timeline

As part of a team of volunteers for NZ For Humanity - A community-based initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds to support those in need both nationally and internationally - I helped to plan, design, and execute an exhibition showcasing Palestinian history, art and culture. Titled “An Interactive Walk Through the Palestinian Timeline,” the presented the history of Palestine from 7,100 BC to the present day and sought to teach visitors about the chain of events leading up to Israel’s occupation of Palestine and the ongoing struggles and human rights abuses facing Palestinian people today.

I was responsible for designing the template used for the floor length posters that formed the timeline display as the main component of the exhibition. It was important that the graphic design thoughtfully represent Palestinian culture. I placed the emphasis on incorporating imagery that would give viewers an insight into the lives of Palestinian people throughout history. I sought to include photographs that represented everyday people doing ordinary and relatable activities alongside those that captured major historical events. I incorporated Palestinian tatreez embroidery motifs carefully rendered based on traditional patterns and embroidery thread colours to shape the visual identity of the timeline.

I led a small team of volunteer graphic designers to design over 100 floor length posters using this template within a tight two-week deadline. The exhibition received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, in particular, noting the use of visual elements to bring Palestinian history to life. NZ For Humanity is now seeking to take the exhibition on the road to other major cities throughout New Zealand as well as explore transforming it into a book and online resource.

For queries about the exhibition please contact nzforhumantiy@gmail.com