TPFF is proud to host author Isabella Hammad and the Toronto launch of her critically acclaimed second novel Enter Ghost. This novel follows her award-winning debut The Parisian (2019), which is set in Nablus, Palestine in the turbulent era of the early 20th century. In Enter Ghost, Hammad’s protagonist Sonia, a British-Palestinian actress, returns to Haifa after her tumultuous relationship ends. Her original plan is to spend time with her sister Haneen and rejuvenate in this coastal city. Instead, she is coxed into performing in a production of “Hamlet” in the West Bank – a decision that leads to a painful political awakening.

The discussion will be moderated by critically acclaimed author Saeed Teebi (Her First Palestinian). Following our conversation with Isabella Hammad, she will be signing copies of her books. Please order your copy of the book in advance using the registration link.

This is event is organized jointly with our literary partners Another Story Book Shop.

Isabella Hammad

Isabella Hammad was born in London. Her writing has appeared in the Paris Review, the New York Times, Conjunctions, and elsewhere. She was awarded the 2018 Plimpton Prize for Fiction and a 2019 O. Henry Prize. Her first novel The Parisian (2019) won a Palestine Book Award, the Sue Kaufman Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and a Betty Trask Award from the Society of Authors in the UK. She was a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Honoree, and has received literary fellowships from MacDowell, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Lannan Foundation, and the Columbia University Institute for Ideas and Imagination.

Awards
She was awarded the Plimpton Prize for Fiction, the Sue Kaufman Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Palestine Book Award and a Betty Trask Award. She has received fellowships from MacDowell, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Lannan Foundation.

Learn More: Isabella Hammad

saeED TEEBI

Saaed Teebi is a writer and lawyer based in Toronto. His story "Her First Palestinian" was shortlisted for the 2021 CBC Short Story Prize. He was born to Palestinian parents in Kuwait and, after spending time in Connecticut and California, has lived in Canada since 1993.

Co-presented by

Unlock your creative potential and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Palestine as we delve into the intricate geometric designs adorning one of Palestine’s most iconic landmarks - Al-Aqsa Mosque. Artist

Ola Alanqar will lead a step-by-step workshop on Islamic geometric design, focusing on the history and significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque. No prior experience is necessary – this workshop is open to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned artists.

Workshop Highlights

• Introduction to Islamic geometric design

• History of Al-Aqsa Mosque

• Step-by-Step pattern construction

• Hands-On artistic exploration
  

Ola Alanqar

Ola Alanqar is a Palestinian-Canadian interdisciplinary artist, designer, and researcher in art
history. Inspired by Arabic Calligraphy, Sacred Geometry, and traditional arts, with a smattering of Van Gogh, Ola enjoys creating art pieces that aim to manifest the beauty of Sacred Arts. Ola uses a wide array of mediums including hand-made watercolors, inks and shell-gold and finds joy in preparing papers as per the traditional methods. Currently, she is working towards her “Ijaza” (license) in Arabic Calligraphy under the traditional Ottoman School. She is also pursuing her graduate studies in Art History at the University of Toronto to bridge the gap between practitioners of the traditional arts and academic research.

olaalanqar.com
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Artist Ola Alanqar will lead an Islamic geometric design workshop, specifically tailored for our young audience. Prepare for a workshop of Palestinian cultural insights with the help of colourful shapes, patterns, puzzles and more!

This workshop is perfect for young artists aged 5-14 years old, whether they are beginners or already budding artists. No prior experience is necessary.

Workshop Highlights

• Introduction to the world of geometric art

• Hands-on pattern colouring

• Geometric design through puzzles

• Fun and interactive learning and creative expression

• Learning about Palestinian arts and culture
  

Ola Alanqar

Ola Alanqar is a Palestinian-Canadian interdisciplinary artist, designer, and researcher in art
history. Inspired by Arabic Calligraphy, Sacred Geometry, and traditional arts, with a smattering of Van Gogh, Ola enjoys creating art pieces that aim to manifest the beauty of Sacred Arts. Ola uses a wide array of mediums including hand-made watercolors, inks and shell-gold and finds joy in preparing papers as per the traditional methods. Currently, she is working towards her “Ijaza” (license) in Arabic Calligraphy under the traditional Ottoman School. She is also pursuing her graduate studies in Art History at the University of Toronto to bridge the gap between practitioners of the traditional arts and academic research.

olaalanqar.com
Instagram