On Wednesday, 21 March 2018, gallery walls of the Child Centre – Gaza (CCG) were decorated with a collection of photos overflowing with the beauty of nature and wildlife. The photos were taken by Palestinian twins Lara and Mandy Sardah. Titled A Photo and A Tale, this photography exhibition was organised and supported by the CCG of the A. M. Qattan Foundation. The exhibition received attention and encouragement from the audience.
The exhibition featured photos, which implied messages highlighting biodiversity and beautiful nature in the Gaza Strip. Photos showed wild and sea birds, flowers, plants, reptiles, green spaces, blue waves, golden sun in the early morning and at dusk.
Lara and Mandy are twins, attracted to beauty wherever it is, they have set on a journey to explore the nature and wildlife and transmit the exquisite image of Gaza. They started to take photographs in 2005 and improved their photography skills over years. While Mandy monitors, Lara documents. Every photo has its own tale. The story began with Mandy’s love of search and exploration. Through the binoculars, Mandy monitors special snapshots of living beings for her sister Lara. Lara takes the photographs.
During the inaugural opening of the exhibition, Mandy expressed her great pleasure, stating: “The audience mostly liked the fact that the exhibition transmitted the beauty of Gaza remotely from the harsh conditions of the city. Gaza is full of biodiversity in spite of everything. This is our message.”
Lara explained that some photos needed time and effort, especially when birds are monitored. Sometimes, Lara and Mandy make tours at dawn time to take a photograph of a particular bird. They make strenuous attempts to track birds through their sounds and on trees.
A Photo and A Tale comes in the context of the CCG programme of hosting and sponsoring annual solo and group exhibitions of artists and amateurs. The programme is tailored to promote the appreciation of arts and enrich the visual culture within the local community.
Held at the CCG premises, the exhibition lasted until 31 March 2018.