Ascalon

A Flag for a Nation of Neighbours is part of The Fête of Britain, a nationwide campaign celebrating the diverse cultures thriving in the UK. The campaign invites communities to take part in shaping the places where they live - through festivals, arts, and grassroots organising.

My flag design, Ascalon, reclaims St. George from his use as a tool of intimidation - long before his adoption by England, he was a Palestinian Saint revered across the Middle East as a symbol of peace and defiance - his cross a common sight there, and George a popular Palestinian name. I juxtapose the dragon-slayer against the 1916 Arab Revolt, the Nakba Key, and the poppy, a flower synonymous with Palestine.

The Flags project runs over three years with nationwide exhibitions, festival partnerships, and a major London show, culminating in a printed publication capturing the designs and stories behind the campaign.