Karim Abu Shakra, an Arab Palestianian-Israeli artist born in 1982, hails from the culturally rich Abu Shakra family in Umm al-Fahm. With a deep-rooted passion for art, his work draws from a wellspring of personal memories and experiences.

His paintings are a confluence of three core elements: humans, nature, and animals. These elements, sourced from his memories, intertwine to form a unique visual narrative, serving as an autobiographical exploration of his experiences. Abu Shakra believes in the transformative power of art, where “the memory of the past reemerges and materializes through the act of painting.”

Employing a distinct technique, Abu Shakra reimagines objects and imbues them with new meanings. His expressive style is marked by a rich textural quality and nods to iconic works of Western modernism, including influences from Picasso and Van Gogh. Additionally, he finds inspiration in the work of his late uncle, Asim Abu Shakra, who nurtured Karim’s artistic journey.

Describing his process, Abu Shakra reflects, “I observe the cactus leaf for hours, immersing myself in its essence. When I paint, I am consumed by the act, becoming one with the subject. I only paint what I deeply feel, and through this, each work becomes a reflection of my identity. What you see is a part of who I am.”