QUICK FACTS
Date of Birth
1965
Hebron, Palestine
Place of Birth
Why Featured?
Khaled Hourani is a pioneering Palestinian artist and curator whose innovative projects, like Picasso in Palestine, have brought international attention to Palestinian art and the cultural resistance against occupation.
BRIEF BIO
Khaled Hourani is a multifaceted Palestinian artist, curator, and writer, renowned for his role in shaping contemporary art in Palestine. He is the co-founder of the International Academy of Art Palestine in Ramallah and has served as both its Artistic Director and General Director. Hourani’s work often addresses the political realities of Palestine, using art as a medium to challenge and reflect upon the socio-political conditions under occupation. His notable project, Picasso in Palestine, stands as a testament to his ability to merge global art discourse with the local Palestinian context, highlighting the resilience and creativity of the Palestinian people.
LAST UPDATED
DATE
Monday, January 26, 2026
MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
1987: Graduated with a BA in History from Hebron University, marking the beginning of his journey in the art world.
2004-2006: Served as General Director of the Fine Arts Department in the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, playing a crucial role in promoting Palestinian art.
2007-2013: Co-founded and directed the International Academy of Art Palestine, where he significantly influenced the development of contemporary art education in Palestine.
2011: Launched the Picasso in Palestine project, successfully bringing a Picasso painting to Ramallah, making it the first time a Picasso was displayed in Palestine.
2019: Published his novel In Search of Jamal El Mahamel, blending his artistic vision with literary expression, and continued to exhibit his work globally.
CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
Picasso in Palestine Project: This groundbreaking initiative brought Picasso’s Buste de Femme to Ramallah, symbolizing the potential of art to transcend political and cultural barriers and highlighting the challenges faced by Palestinians in the global art world.
Advancement of Palestinian Art Education: Through his role at the International Academy of Art Palestine, Hourani provided a platform for emerging Palestinian artists, fostering a new generation of creators deeply connected to their cultural identity.
Curatorial Leadership: Hourani has curated numerous exhibitions, both within Palestine and internationally, promoting Palestinian art and ensuring it is recognized as part of the global art discourse...See More
Art as Resistance: His works often depict the struggles and resilience of Palestinians, using art to document, critique, and resist the occupation, thereby contributing to the cultural resistance against Israeli policies.
Cultural Diplomacy: Through international exhibitions and projects, Hourani has built bridges between Palestinian artists and the global art community, helping to share the Palestinian narrative on an international stage.
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Last updated
Jan 26, 2026
DISCOVER
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