This film by Linda Paganelli delves into the artistic journey of the late Kamal Boullata, a Palestinian artist born in Jerusalem who spent 50 years in exile (see Kamal Boullata). Far from his homeland, Boullata embraced the distance as a way to deeply and freely reflect on Palestine’s spiritual and Arab heritage—a rich legacy that predates its fall under colonial rule. As a Jerusalemite, he was particularly entranced with the visuality of his birth city. He found inspiration in the intricate Arabesque patterns adorning the Dome of the Rock, a symbol of his childhood in Jerusalem, and translated these memories into his art. His abstract works are characterized by a harmonious blend of geometry, Arabic calligraphy, and the play of natural light, which became central themes in his creative expression.
Throughout his exile, living in France, Morocco, and Washington, DC, Boullata used his art to navigate the longing for home. He saw exile not only as a personal loss but also as an opportunity to reconnect with Palestine and especially Jerusalem in ways that might not have been possible otherwise. Reflecting on his lifelong journey, he remarked, “Perhaps it was the light of Jerusalem I’ve been seeking all along.”
This film captures his quest to find a sense of belonging through art while honoring the enduring legacy of his homeland.