6 artists, 6 disposable cameras: A unique print sale raising money for Gaza

Artist-run collective Better Entry is launching Permit to See, a charity art initiative raising funds for several nonprofit organisations providing humanitarian aid, education, and healthcare to children affected by the crisis in Gaza. As the people trapped in the enclave face mass starvation – a direct result of Israel’s months-long blockade of vital supplies – and tens of thousands of children are seriously ill due to malnutrition, this kind of support is more urgent than ever.

As part of the project, six leading artists from the worlds of art and fashion have been given a disposable film camera, which they have used to capture personal narratives. These figures include artist Polina Osipova, model Lotti Lavanti, fashion editor Bobbi Menuez, fashion photographers Kris Tofjan and Yis Kid.

The resulting images will be undeveloped and unseen until they are raffled online and the winners will get to decide where they share them publicly or keep them private. Each disposable camera has been decorated by the participating artists, making them truly unique collectable objects. The raffle will take place from May 9-16, when people can purchase entries for any of the disposable cameras at here, and donate to support the cause.

Alongside these artists, Gaza-based photojournalist Majdi Fathi, who has been documenting life on the ground since the beginning of the aggression, is contributing a series of digital photographs which will be available to purchase as prints. Fathi’s images are deeply affecting: many of them depict children playing or simply going about their daily lives against a backdrop of bombed houses and flattened streets.

Reflecting on the initiative, Fathi tells Dazed, “I loved working with [Better Entry] to choose strong, powerful pictures that depicted the reality of Gaza, that we both felt proud to showcase to the world. I hope to have more opportunities in the future to work with them in the future to raise more awareness about this tragic situation.”

“Before the war, life was simple yet beautiful. I would go out and about with my camera, trying to capture a simple scene reflecting the beauty of life here,” Fathi tells Dazed. “However, when the war started, my camera became a tool for documenting pain, suffering and tragedy. I started taking photos of destroyed homes, displaced people, exhausted faces, eyes filled with pain and sorrow, questioning what’s happening with no answers.”

“My images stopped expressing beautiful moments, but rather became a testimony to crime and the reality of daily life,” he continues. “My camera has become my outlet to show the world what is happening here. Every photo I take is a voice for those who might not be able to tell their story. Despite all the pain, I still try to capture a glimpse of hope in every picture I take because I believe my people are resilient and are passionate about life.”

You can buy prints of Majdi Fathi’s photographs and participate in the Permit To See raffle here.