She was like a tree always bearing fruit, so giving all the time. In my portrait here, we see Umm Jalaa' depicted as an angel with wings made of flowers in bloom that she flies away with up into the sky. She was a mother who passionately loved Palestinian land and its greenery with all its meaning. She farmed it herself and out of it raised seven children that she could hold up proudly. As with any Palestinian family, she was to love her homeland and her children, watching over and guarding them with her eyes that never rested. She looked after them day and night to keep them comfortable, loving them and warding off the evil eye from them. Umm Jalaa, you never died - the seeds you sowed are still sprouting from the land, and from your womb as well. You are a great tree whose branches reach everywhere, as far as infinity. May your soul rest in peace.

Artist's statement translated by Suneela Mubayi