Palestine's celebrated painter Suleiman Mansour will recreate his iconic painting of a peasant carrying Jerusalem on his back, to be auctioned in Dubai to support the newly-established national museum of Palestinian art.
The auction will take place during the United Nations Development Programme Week of Palestinian Culture in February, said Ehab Shanti, of the UNDP's communication department.
"There is a vibrant culture and heritage that is alive, well and strong, perhaps because of the Israeli occupation. We hope to shed light on the rich cultural heritage of Palestinians."
During the cultural week, the UNDP will auction Suleiman Mansour's painting, Jamal Al Mahamel (The Camel of Hardships).
Mansour agreed to paint a re-interpretation of his most famous work, for auction at a gala dinner during the cultural week.
"It took some convincing, but we did it," Shanti said, "He's painting it as we speak."
Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi purchased the original 1973 painting, which was later destroyed during the American bombing of Tripoli in 1986.
Poster prints of the painting adorn thousands of Palestinian living rooms.
During the cultural week, Ghada Karmi, Palestinian writer and academic, will launch her memoir, In Search of Fatima, and author Mariam Shahin will launch her book, Palestine: A Guide.
There will also be a photography exhibition by George Azar, the subject of the Emmy Award-winning CBS television feature, Beirut Photographer, and Steve Sabella, recognised as one of the foremost Palestinian photographers.
The UNDP is also trying to arrange for poet Mahmoud Darwish to be present during the cultural week.
Funds raised through the cultural week will be directed to the national museum of art in Jerusalem, Al Hoash, established late last year.
Money will also be paid into the University Students Emergency Fund, which has provided financial assistance to more than 2,000 Palestinian university students, the UNDP has said.
Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi purchased the original 1973 painting, which was later destroyed during the American bombing of Tripoli in 1986.
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