Palestinian American artist Lamia Abdukhadra reframes Gaza’s viral images in new Minneapolis exhibit

A new exhibit at Hair + Nails in Minneapolis showcases the work of Palestinian American artist Lamia Abdukhadra, who explores how images from Gaza are captured and shared digitally. Her oil paintings reinterpret a photograph of a destroyed art gallery in Gaza, originally painted by Palestinian artist Dina Mattar, to slow down the rapid consumption of violent imagery online. Abdukhadra, born in Minneapolis and based in Beirut, examines the risks and creative efforts behind Palestinian photography, often taken from behind windows or barriers due to danger. The exhibit, part of Hair + Nails’ second annual Painting Show, features Abdukhadra’s series focusing on recurring visual patterns in Palestinian photography—such as windows, silhouettes, and partial framing—reflecting the conditions under which these images are made. By translating digital photographs into oil paint, she invites viewers to reconsider the cultural narratives embedded in these visuals. Abdukhadra, who serves as arts director for St. Paul’s Mizna organization, argues that art expands possibilities and connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. The exhibit runs from May 30 to July 31, with an opening reception from 7 to 10 p.m. on May 30 and regular gallery hours from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The location is 2222 E. 35th St., Minneapolis, and admission is free. Abdukhadra’s work challenges the passive consumption of online imagery, urging reflection on the stories behind the frames. Hair + Nails will also host 28 local and national artists in the Painting Show, emphasizing contemporary art’s role in addressing global issues. Abdukhadra’s exhibit aligns with her broader practice, which critiques how digital media shapes perceptions of conflict and resistance. The show aims to bridge gaps between documentation and artistic expression, fostering deeper engagement with Palestinian narratives.