Anonymous. UNRWA school, South Lebanon, 1960s. Hashem el Madani 2007

Editor: So, this is Akram Zaatari’s photograph, “Anonymous. UNRWA school, South Lebanon, 1960s, Hashem el Madani.” It's a black and white image and what really strikes me is the girl’s intense gaze. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's a poignant portrait, isn’t it? Beyond the stark realism, I feel a weight of history in her eyes. Zaatari’s work often circles around forgotten or marginalized stories. It makes me wonder, what was life like for children in these schools? Do you feel a sense of displacement when looking at this? Editor: I do, actually. There’s a stillness, almost a sadness, that seems to permeate the image. Curator: Perhaps Zaatari is inviting us to reflect on the ongoing human cost of conflict and displacement, challenging us to connect with this anonymous individual. It's less about the technical perfection and more about the emotional impact, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Definitely. I hadn’t considered the broader historical context before, but it really shifts the meaning. Curator: Exactly! Art can be such a powerful lens through which to view history and humanity. It certainly makes you ponder!