The above line from the song تلك قضية (This is One Issue) by the Egyptian band Cairokee paints a stark picture of the suffering endured by the people of Palestine. The song captures the suffering of a population living under an oppressive Israeli occupation for over 76 years, enduring relentless violence, displacement and systemic discrimination. The song reminds the world of the ongoing genocide and the urgent need for international action to address the injustices faced by the Palestinian people.
A young girl, her life cut tragically short while reaching for a simple snack amidst an artificial famine represents only one of countless innocent lives lost in Palestine. The Palestinian people endure immense suffering under Israeli occupation, with international support from countries like the US and the UK. Entire families lie buried beneath rubble, their lives stolen in an instant—blood pools amidst the debris, a silent testament to the scale of the devastation. Children, often while playing or searching for food and water, become targets for artillery and snipers. Homes, schools and hospitals lie in ruins, the scars of war etched deeply into the landscape and the hearts of survivors.
The Israeli occupation’s regime extends to silencing dissent and censoring any voices that expose their tyrannical actions. Palestinians are forced, in their own lands, to endure a life of fear and oppression while their freedoms are sabotaged with each passing day. Day and night, the relentless sounds of Israeli gunfire and explosions echo through Palestinian neighbourhoods. The world watches in horror as innocent lives are extinguished on camera. To compound the suffering, an AI system was deployed to identify and eliminate more Palestinians. Entire communities are being starved, cut off from essential supplies, as no actual aid is allowed into Gaza. On 4 November 2024, Israel officially notified the United Nations that it would sever ties with UNRWA, the agency providing essential aid to Palestinians, as famine continues to loom in Gaza, amplifying desperation and isolation more than a year after the escalation of violence in the region.
Amid this crisis, the world awakened as artists, politicians and people from all walks of life stood in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. Art, a powerful tool for resistance, plays a crucial role in exposing these injustices. Matilda Bull, an Edinburgh-based printmaker whose work is often seen adorning city streets, uses her art to amplify calls to end the genocide. Her latest project, a collection of Risograph posters supporting Palestine’s freedom, is a testament to the power of art to inspire and mobilize.
Matilda’s work aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Through her art, she sheds light on the injustices Palestinians face, contributing to a more just and equitable world. Her posters inspire empathy and understanding, motivating viewers to take meaningful action. In this interview, Matilda joins Arts Help to share insights into her creative process, exploring the powerful messages woven into her work and its profound impact on audiences and the Palestinian cause.
What inspired you to create the "Flowers From Jericho" series, and how did your residency at Out of the Blueprint contribute to the development of these artworks?
All I could think about is “What can I do?” As an artist, speaking out is more important than ever. Having this platform is a privilege, and I feel an obligation to speak out. My work alone isn’t revolutionary, nor groundbreaking. I’m adding my voice to others’ voices, calling for action, calling for immediate change. Making posters to raise awareness and funds feels like my small contribution.
I made the posters with the intention of pasting them up around the city. This dictated my design choices, as I wanted them to be bold and recognisable. My residency came at a perfect time, as Risograph is designed for printing large quantities of posters, very quickly. Out of the Blueprint is an amazing organisation, offering Risograph residencies to artists in Scotland aged 18-24. They really encouraged me with this project, and were so generous with their resources and knowledge.
I’ve stuck up many posters in the last couple years, both political and for events. No poster has been ripped down so quickly as these were. They elicited such strong responses - some would be taken down overnight, some would be ripped to shreds. Others were completely scribbled over, or had derogatory notes written. It was shocking to see Edinburgh, an otherwise sleepy city, respond so strongly.
What is the significance of the title "Flowers From Jericho" in relation to the artwork and its message?
The title came about while I was researching. I came across books of pressed wild flowers. In the late nineteenth century, visitors on pilgrimages to the Holy Land would buy books of pressed wild flowers, as mementos. These books would have examples of flowers from sites of religious importance, and for Jericho - the flowers were Anemone Coronarias. Jericho is known to Scottish audiences, through its biblical significance. Some may see interesting parallels in the story of the Battle of Jericho.
The Anemone Coronaria (sometimes called the Palestinian poppy) has become a symbol of resilience and strength. They flourish despite it all. A tiny defiant thing, not caring for the borders of occupation.
I left the exhibition title consciously ambiguous. In a weird way I wanted people to come because they’re intrigued by the poster, not because it’s about Palestine. People that follow and know me, possibly share some of my opinions on Palestine. But those seeing my posters in cafe’s and online, may not. I wanted to bring people who “don’t do politics” into a space they wouldn’t normally choose to go - to be confronted by the physical exhibition, rather than the act of going to it. My exhibition wasn’t so much about telling people what to think, rather opening a space for conversation.
Has working on this project had a personal impact on you, and if so, in what ways?
Having the resources and time to make these posters was an immense privilege, I’m very grateful to everyone from Out of the Blueprint for facilitating this. Through this project I’ve met so many amazing people and organisations - through which I’ve been part of events and organising workshops. All profits from my poster sales are donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians, and I’ve been able to donate posters to bookshops and other fundraisers.
Can you describe your artistic process for creating these Risograph prints? What techniques or materials did you use, and how did they help you convey your message?
Prior to this residency, I really hadn’t used Risograph much. When I had, I’d found it difficult to wrap my head around, as many people create Risograph designs digitally. I wanted to find a more intuitive way of working, so I decided to put my laptop aside and make everything analogue using only the scanner attached.
For anyone that doesn’t know what Risograph is - it was originally designed for photocopying documents, but has been adopted by artists as sort of a “digital screenprint” . You can layer colours on top of each other and create really vibrant designs.
Most of my designs were made using stencils, and rubbing inky textures through to create my layers. I went on a quest to mix my perfect olive green - and I got pretty close layering lots of yellow, a bit of teal and purple, and a smidge of red! I also incorporated letterpress, as the cracked and worn-down wooden type really stands out in a sea of perfect lettering.
How did your experience of the ongoing genocide in Palestine influence your decision to dedicate your residency to this cause?
I’ve been attending protests nearly every week for over a year. I’ve been banging drums at marches. I’ve been signing petitions. And yet what has changed?
I found this project extremely difficult - there is no sensitive way to communicate the atrocities Israel is committing. I have so many angry, bitter designs that never got completed. I spent days sobbing in my studio while researching. I have friends who have lost family. I find it impossible to comprehend how people can continue on as normal.
What role do you believe art can play in raising awareness of resisting oppression and injustice?
Art is essential to every part of society; artists and designers are behind everything we see. I don’t think I realized how much power for change artists have - an eye-catching design can make a movement iconic. I sometimes struggle to articulate myself through words, so using imagery to communicate feels more intuitive.
Activism needs people from every skill set - and Artists are essential in amplifying voices and helping ideas reach broader audiences. Often, activism can seem quite a difficult space to enter and using art to communicate with people can really make it more accessible.
Can you elaborate on the hypocrisy you perceive in the actions of governments regarding Palestine?
The UK government is setting double standards. Quick to call out Russia's war crimes, and welcoming Ukrainians with open arms - yet refusal to condemn Israel. Where are the sanctions? Why are UK arms still being exported? How am I watching a genocide and ethnic cleansing happen in front of my eyes while my government enables it?
Yet when the public try to speak out, and say “Hey, this isn’t right,” the peaceful protests are vilified and activists are dealt lengthy jail sentences. The government is cracking down on the right to protest. Five activists in Scotland were recently sentenced to 12-14 months imprisonment for occupying the Thales weapons factory in Scotland. Silencing voices of criticism isn’t a solution. We need change.
What specific actions or changes do you hope to inspire through your work?
My posters in the streets are a call to action. A reminder that we can’t continue business as usual. A year of inaction from the government, yet every day Israel makes more emboldened attacks. People like to claim ignorance, that they’re not really aware of what’s going on. But if the whole city is plastered with posters, it’s quite hard to ignore. Actions speak louder than words - come to a protest, email your MP, do anything!
What are your plans for future projects or exhibitions? Will you continue to address political issues in your work?
To be honest, I have no idea what direction my work will take in the future. I make what feels important and often, what feels important to me will end up being political. I’m looking forward to more community engagement, and working with local organisations. Through collaborative creative workshops, I try to make a space to slow down, see what your hands create. It’s not about the final product - it’s the act of making, and finding connection with people.
As Palestinians continue to endure violent oppression, it is imperative that the world awakens to their suffering and takes action to restore their rightful freedoms. Matilda’s artwork stands as a powerful act of defiance against the Israeli occupation. Her posters, with their striking imagery and compelling messages, are plastered across city walls and shared worldwide, contributing to a growing global movement of solidarity.
Matilda's artwork symbolizes hope and resistance for the Palestinian people. She inspires new generations by using her art to expose the injustices and atrocities of the occupation. Her work is a testament to the power of allyship, reminding us that artists have a duty to use their voices for justice and peace. It is also a powerful reminder that, even in the darkest times, the human spirit can endure.
Though the path ahead is fraught with horrors, the spirit of Palestine endures. The seeds of faith and hope, sown by the brave and resilient Palestinian people, will blossom into a brighter future. Now is the time for decisive action. As a global community, we must raise our voices, demand justice and work tirelessly to end the occupation and achieve Palestinian liberation.