“In my paintings, you always see the sun or the moon,” says contemporary Palestinian artist Taleb Dweik.1 Born in Jerusalem, Dweik is known for his distinctive fusion of Arabic calligraphy, geometric patterns, and modern artistic techniques. He has been depicting Palestine for decades: its cities, natural landscape, architecture, sky, and people (see Taleb Dweik).
A central feature of Dweik’s artistic vocabulary is his use of celestial imagery, particularly the sun and the moon. These symbols appear frequently in his compositions, not as literal depictions but as abstract forms integrated into geometric or calligraphic structures. The sun, often rendered as a radiant or central element, functions as a symbol of vitality, endurance, and continuity. Constancy and life-giving energy echo broader themes of resilience and persistence.
In contrast, the moon in Dweik’s work tends to evoke a more introspective and contemplative mood. Frequently depicted in softer, more subdued forms—such as crescents or diffused circular shapes—it symbolizes cycles, change, and reflection. The moon introduces a sense of rhythm and temporality, reminding the viewer of the passage of time and the inevitability of transformation.
This Photo Album contains some of Dweik’s most iconic pieces featuring the sun and moon. Both serve as anchors in these compositions, providing a focal point around which other elements are arranged. Their duality creates a dynamic interplay between light and shadow, strength and subtlety, permanence and change.