This beautiful and understated show provides a moving foil to the horror of Israel’s war in Palestine.

By Anna Souter, 13 August 2025

BRISTOL, England — Last year, Bristol’s Arnolfini cancelled two Bristol Palestine Film Festival events, leading to controversy and a boycott. After mediation with local groups such as Bristol Artists for Palestine, Arnolfini issued a statement apologizing for the decision and committing to upholding Palestinian freedom of expression in the future. Their current exhibition, Standing by the Ruins by Palestinian-Saudi artist Dana Awartani, appears (albeit obliquely) to represent that commitment bearing fruit. 

image: Dana Awartani: Standing by the ruins Arnolfini June 2025. Lisa Whiting Photography for Arnolfini. All rights reserved.