Orouma: Preserving Palestinian Heritage Through Vibrant Art

Introduction

Orouma, derived from the Arabic word for the cut tree left with its roots still deeply grounded, symbolizes resilience, preservation, and the celebration of Palestinian culture. Through vibrant, hand-painted artworks, Orouma brings the rich heritage of Palestine to life at World Art Dubai, blending history with contemporary artistry. At its core, Orouma is a testament to the enduring beauty and strength of Palestinian identity, connecting viewers around the world to its stories and traditions.

The Artistic Process

Orouma’s creative journey begins with transforming archived photographs into stunning, colourful paintings. Using acrylics, gold leaf, and intricate ink scripts, each piece is the work of love and dedication. The process not only revives forgotten moments but also reimagines them through a modern lens, creating a bridge between the past and the present.

Themes and Motifs

Resilience, beauty, and the daily life of the Palestinian people are central themes in Orouma’s artworks. These motifs resonate deeply with viewers globally, offering a glimpse into the strength and spirit of a culture that continues to thrive despite challenges. Through art, Orouma captures the essence of Palestinian life mainly before 1948, inviting audiences to reflect on its universal messages of hope and perseverance.

Bridging Past and Present

The founding of Orouma was deeply influenced by the events of October 2024, amidst the renewed war on Gaza. As the granddaughter and daughter of Palestinian refugees, the artist was deeply affected, viewing these events as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to Palestinian cultural and historical identity. In response, Orouma was founded with the goal to bring the spotlight to the rich heritage of Palestine, ensuring its stories and traditions are not only preserved but also celebrated globally. Through its art, Orouma seeks to illuminate aspects of Palestinian culture that are at risk of being forgotten, misrepresented, or erased, offering a vivid reminder of the resilience and vibrancy of Palestinian identity.

The artist’s mission is clear: to have a piece of Palestine in every country around the world. Since its launch in January 2024, Orouma has made its mark in 15 countries, bringing a piece of Palestine to art lovers worldwide. This vision is driven by a deep commitment to sharing Palestinian culture and fostering a sense of unity through art.

Each piece serves as a visually engaging narrative, connecting viewers to the historical and cultural context of Palestine. By blending traditional elements with contemporary techniques, Orouma creates a dialogue between generations, ensuring that Palestinian heritage remains alive and relevant.

Meet the Artist: Mais El-Ras

Behind Orouma is Mais El-Ras, a Palestinian-Canadian artist born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Despite never having set foot in Palestine, Mais's connection to her homeland is profound and evident in every piece she creates. With a Master’s degree in Visuals and Digital Media from IE Business School in Madrid, Mais combines her academic expertise with her cultural roots to create artworks that are both visually striking and deeply meaningful.

Driven by a passion for her heritage, Mais utilises her art as a means of storytelling and cultural preservation. Her work often features archived photographs that she transforms into vibrant, colourful pieces enriched with textures such as gold leaf and detailed ink scripts. This unique approach not only revives historical images but also imbues them with contemporary relevance.

For Mais, art is a bridge connecting her to Palestine, learning more about the cities of Palestine with every piece and translating it into art pieces from where the photos originate. Each piece aims to highlight the thriving Palestine prior to 1948 with its rich culture, heritage, and economy. With what she learns, , Mais aims to educate and inspire audiences around the world, making the rich tapestry of Palestinian culture accessible and impactful.

See Orouma at World Art Dubai

Visit the Orouma booth at World Art Dubai 2025 booth MB04, where you can explore the beauty and resilience of Palestinian culture through art. Discover how Orouma is preserving heritage, celebrating identity, and connecting the world through the universal language of creativity.

Through its vibrant paintings and compelling narratives, Orouma invites us all to see the world through the lens of Palestinian culture, reminding us of the beauty that lies in preserving our shared heritage.