991
991 by Khalil Khalidy [May, 2024]
"991 is an unidentified child that was brought to me in the ER, critically injured due to an intense carpet bombing of a whole residential block. As I was checking his pulse, he took his last breath.
This has been a very recurring scene for the past 200 days, to have humans both injured or dead, labelled as unknown No#.
991 isn’t the first nor the last child that I’ve witnessed passing away on the cold floors of the hospital.
There was no time to send 991’s blood samples to the lab as he passed away almost immediately. And in his honor I didn’t want his blood to be just thrown away, for his story to never be told, for him to be forgotten. So I decided to preserve his blood samples in a unique way, as paint.
991 is one of 48 children who have passed away in my arms in the past 200 days, still counting. I've become very familiar with what the final breath looks like. It's haunting."
Please note that watermark is not part of the printed version.
Dr. Khalil Khalidy is a Palestinian Medical doctor and a self taught artist residing in Gaza Strip, and currently working as an Orthopedic emergency doctor. Combining his medical background and passion for arts, Khalil has developed his own unique and unconventional style that focuses on fine detailing.
Khalil excels in mixed medium arts, illustrations, sculptures, abstract design, sfx-makeup and live drawing.
Khalil’s works focus on portraying the emotions that goes with life changing experiences, how they are felt, perceived and expressed.
By sharing his creations, Dr. Khalil invites the community to engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges faced by the people of Palestine, fostering a sense of unity and understanding. His efforts have cultivated a culture of compassion and support.
He has transformed his passion for art into a powerful tool for supporting his fellow doctors. Understanding the financial struggles that many healthcare providers face, he has dedicated himself to using his artistic talents to make a difference. Through captivating art exhibitions and sales, Dr. Khalil showcases his work, with every dollar raised going directly to help his colleagues in need.
Through his innovative approach, Dr. Khalil is not just raising funds; he is inspiring a movement of solidarity among healthcare providers. His work reminds us all of the importance of community and compassion, proving that art can be a powerful force for change. In doing so, he ensures that his fellow doctors have the resources and encouragement they need to continue their vital work with renewed passion and purpose.