Echoes of Survival by Khan Shamim Akhtar

In "Echoes of Survival," the second version of "Stones of Survival," the artist reimagines the plate as a mirror. It contrasts our own abundance with the severe hunger faced by Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing actions against them. As of August 11, 2025, over 2.15 million Gazans face famine due to aid blockades. Reports show people are consuming boiled grass, animal feed, and tying stones to their stomachs to dull their hunger. This watercolor-inspired painting features an Indian compartmentalized plate, which is usually filled with various foods. Instead, it is now filled with stones and a few grim remnants, symbolizing their limited sustenance and resilience.

The vibrant, textured compartments reflect my privilege. They contrast sharply with the muted, rough stones and aid mixed with drugs, highlighting the scarcity and suffering, including over 50,000 deaths (Web ID: 19). The frayed edges suggest a land that has been torn apart. This work channels both anger and empathy to critique systemic violence while honoring their unbreakable spirit.

This artwork was exhibited at Method in the group exhibition "The Parliament is Now in Session" (August 2025)