Susanne Khalil Yusef, We want to live, 2021*

In 2021, artist Susanne Khalil Yusef (1984) created We want to live, featuring Arabic letters blown into glass. These letters replicate the handwriting of a close friend living in Gaza. Yusef, whose family fled Jaffa during the 1948 war, has a Palestinian background. The phrase “we want to live” was often exchanged between Yusef and her friends when discussing the terrible events Palestinians have suffered for decades. Through her work, she hopes to provide insight into the position of Palestinians, who are scattered all around the world.

Two years after creating this work, events in Gaza have reached a horrific low. Every day, hundreds of innocent civilians are dying – men, women, children, the elderly, loved ones. In 2023, the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam acquired this work for its collection. We want to live is a stark reminder of the importance of not turning a blind eye to the war and of continuing to call for a ceasefire. After all, every human being has the right to live.

Susanne Khalil Yusef (1984)
We want to live, 2021
Neon
Stedelijk Museum Schiedam

This acquisition was made possible with the support of the Mondriaan Fund.

Image: Susanne Khalil Yusef, We want to live, 2021, foto Aad Hoogendoorn