Beyond the Walls BY Raida Adon - Presented by Umm El-Fahem Museum of Art

May 6 to May 31, 2025
ZAZCorner Times Square Billboard, South East Corner of 41st Street and 7th Avenue
PRESENTED “IN BETWEEN” PROGRAMMING

ZAZ10TS is proud to feature Palestinian artist Raida Adon’s video work Beyond the Walls on the ZAZ Corner billboard in Times Square throughout the month of May. This presentation is part of a collaboration celebrating the recent recognition of the Umm el-Fahem Museum, a cultural vision led by founder Said Abu Shakra. After years of struggle, the museum now stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and shared purpose, offering hope during a time of deep uncertainty. Through this project, we affirm our belief that art can open conversations and create space for healing, reflection, and coexistence.

The presentation includes two 15-second video excerpts adapted from the original work Beyond the Walls, bringing Adon’s evocative imagery into the public space of New York City.

In Beyond the Walls, Raida Adon offers a quiet yet powerful meditation on survival, memory, and the human ability to imagine a world beyond conflict. The video features a slow and steady stream of figures moving along the seaside and through the narrow streets of Acre. Dressed in white garments and carrying objects of memory on their heads, they walk in silence that speaks volumes. There is no clear distinction between man or woman, young or old. Their steps are heavy, their faces etched with weariness and longing. The imagery evokes a funeral procession or a march of restless spirits, each figure embodying a collective memory that lingers and refuses to be forgotten.

About Raida Adon

Raida Adon is a Palestinian artist, actress, and educator whose work bridges cultures, identities, and geographies. Born in Acre in 1972 and trained at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, she lives and creates between Jaffa, Paris, and Palestine. Her video art, often focused on the Palestinian and Israeli experience since 1948, reflects a deep personal and political commitment. Through her layered narratives, Adon explores the complexities of memory, displacement, and belonging. Her work has been exhibited in major institutions across Israel, Palestine, Europe, and the United States, including the Tel Aviv Museum, the Banksy Gallery in Bethlehem, and the Rose Museum in Boston. She made history as the first Arab woman to present a solo exhibition at the Israel Museum, breaking a 72-year barrier.

In addition to her work as a visual artist, Adon is also a celebrated actress and educator. She teaches at the Bezalel Academy, Sapir College, and leads the Arabic department at a photography school in Jerusalem. Her performances—on stage, in film, and in video art—are often drawn from her own lived experience and serve as acts of cultural dialogue. She has appeared in the popular Netflix series Fauda and The Girl from Oslo, as well as the award-winning film 3000 Nights. Whether working in visual or performing arts, Adon approaches each project as a personal journey, grounded in a sense of duty to speak across divides. Her work is a testament to resilience, imagination, and the power of art to navigate and transform political and personal boundaries.

Website: https://raida-adon.com Instagram: @raidaadon

Umm el-Fahem Museum of Art

The Umm el-Fahem Art Gallery, founded in 1996 by artist and former police officer Said Abu Shakra, stands as a pioneering cultural institution in Israel, dedicated to showcasing contemporary Palestinian, Arab, and Jewish art. Located in the Arab city of Umm el-Fahem, the gallery has become a vital space for artistic expression and dialogue, aiming to bridge cultural divides through art. Over the years, it has hosted numerous exhibitions, educational programs, and community initiatives, fostering a spirit of coexistence and mutual understanding. In recognition of its significant contributions, the gallery was officially designated as Israel's first Arab museum of art in 2024, marking a milestone in the country's cultural landscape. Website: ummelfahemgallery.com | Instagram: @umm_elfahem_museum_of_art

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