Visual Testimony Under Occupation: Aesthetic and Ethical Dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in Rula Halawani’s "Negative Incursion"
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Original research
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This article analyzes Rula Halawani’s photo series "Negative Incursion" using the framework suggested by Terry Barrett for critiquing photography, including description, interpretation, and moral analysis. The analysis highlights photography’s dual nature—documentary evidence as well as a socio-political tool—specifically applied here in the context of Palestinian life under occupation. Halawani’s stark black-and-white photos, characterized by visual reversal, provoke viewers to consider how widespread military occupation has influenced everyday life for regular citizens.  According to Barrett’s model, analysis begins with a close visual reading of the images, highlighting their formal and aesthetic details. In the interpretation, Halawani’s inversion method is presented as a conscious reversal of standard war imagery, challenging viewers to re-examine prevailing war narratives. Lastly, the ethical aspect examines how, with no graphic violence depicted in these photos, the viewer’s reaction is redirected from shock towards contemplation, posing a greater political understanding within the visual portrayal.

Journal
Title
Review of Contemporary Philosophy
Publisher
Auricle Global Society of Education and Research
Publisher Country
India
Indexing
Scopus
Impact Factor
0.26
Publication Type
Both (Printed and Online)
Volume
24
Year
2025
Pages
795 -805