Middle-Class Palestinian Refugees

For Middle-Class Palestinian Refugees, Jeffar Khaldi reuses an old photograph from a 1960s family album, readapting it into a contemporary work. Here, Khaldi examines the complexities of displacement, identity and social transformation through the experience of the Palestinian refugee. Moving beyond the common portrayal of refugees enduring poverty and hardship, Khaldi presents a more nuanced reflection on a community shaped by loss, adaptation and resilience. The work explores the tension between memory and modern life, revealing how displacement affects not only geography but also personal identity and social status. Through symbolic imagery and a carefully constructed composition, Khaldi reflects on the fragmented experiences of Palestinians living between a remembered homeland and an uncertain present. The painting challenges simplified narratives, highlighting the emotional and cultural dimensions of refugee life while preserving the dignity, complexity and humanity of those whose histories are marked by exile.