Photo : DR
Palestine as photographed by Joss Dray
Discover a haunting photographic collection that captures the pulse of Palestinian daily life from two decades ago. These never-before-seen images offer an intimate and powerful perspective, perfect for anyone looking to connect with personal narratives beyond the headlines.
L'Institut du Monde Arabe (Paris 5th)
About
The Institut du Monde Arabe presents a rare photographic exhibition by Joss Dray, focusing on Palestinian life, from September 19 to November 1, 2026. This exhibition features a twenty-five-year-old reportage never before shown to the public, documenting daily existence within Palestinian territories and refugee camps. Hosted at the newly named Bibliothèque Leïla Shahid, the collection captures the faces and memories of a resilient population. The event is free of charge and fully wheelchair accessible, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with historical archives that bridge the Palestinian diaspora and the Levant through the lens of a French photographer.
Exhibited at the IMA library, a precious testimony of daily Palestinian life, its faces, places, and memory, through a photo reportage taken twenty-five years ago and never before shown to the public.
Exhibition organized as part of the 2026 European Heritage Days and in honor of the new name of the IMA library, renamed the Leïla Shahid Library, after the great voice of Palestine in France and Europe who passed away last February.
In 2001, Joss Dray was commissioned by the IMA to carry out a photographic report in Palestine. Through her photographs, she documents the daily life of Palestinians, whether they live in the Palestinian territories, in refugee camps, or within the diaspora. Her work traverses, in particular, the camps of Jabalia, Shati, Kalandia, Dheisheh, Jenin, as well as several camps in Lebanon.
Joss Dray
A French photographer, Joss Dray began documenting the daily life and forms of resistance of the Palestinian people in 1987. Her work has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and publications, including Returning to Jenin. A Living History of the Refugee Camp (1989-2018), published in 2020 and prefaced by Leïla Shahid.
Our take on this event
The Bibliothèque Leïla Shahid at the Institut du Monde Arabe is hosting an exclusive exhibition showcasing the work of photographer Joss Dray. Presented as part of the 2026 European Heritage Days, this display pays tribute to the late Leïla Shahid, a major advocate for the Palestinian cause who passed away in February.
Commissioned by the IMA in 2001, Joss Dray traveled extensively to capture the daily lives of Palestinians. Her work documents various regions and refugee camps, including Jabalia, Shati, Kalandia, Dheisheh, Jénine, and several locations in Lebanon. These photographs offer a profound look at the resilience and memories of the people, marking a significant addition to the history of the region. This series remains a cornerstone of Dray's long-standing dedication to documenting Palestinian life since 1987.
The exhibition is open to the public free of charge throughout its run. The venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors exploring these historical narratives.
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