Ren Allathkani (She/Her/They/Them) is a multidisciplinary Palestinian American artist, currently calling Elk Grove, California home. Allathkani works to understand her rich cultural heritage through the artistic journey. Raised between the U.S. and Jordan, her family hails from Jaffa and Nablus, regions steeped in history and tradition. Ren’s journey in art explores the topics of place, identity, heritage, and spirituality.
Allathkani holds a BA in Art Studio from UC Davis and currently practices at Verge, a space where she delves deep into the art of Palestinian tatreez and works with natural materials. Ren’s art is not just a form of expression, but a means of reclaiming her lost roots and connecting with her spirituality and Palestinian heritage.
“Most of my life I’ve moved around,” said Allathkani. She spent part of her childhood in Texas, Colorado, California, and Jordan. “I don’t know if it’s a typical immigrant story,” said Allathkani. You know, the sense of you’re not working, you’re not where you’re supposed to be. And then I realized, ‘will I ever be where I’m supposed to be?’ I love Jordan, but it’s not where I’m from. I can visit and that’s where most of my family is due to the diaspora.”
Allathkani’s artistic journey began with a focus on folklore from around the world and the diverse landscapes of her youth. “I grew up in a small town called Erie and there were a lot of abandoned buildings — Colorado is known for its abandoned cities,” said Allathkani. “Throughout my life, as my parents were driving around Colorado, I always made up stories about these places and locations. I developed my own folklore about the locations, as well as just learned the ones that already exist.”
Over time, Ren’s work evolved to embrace her cultural heritage more deeply. The turning point came with the events in Sheikh Jarrah, a neighborhood in East Jerusalem facing demolition due to contested land ownership. This crisis became the catalyst for Allathkani to explore heritage, as she realized the importance of understanding where she came from and the stories of her ancestors.
Ren’s current work in Palestinian tatreez, a traditional embroidery, serves as a form of storytelling. Tatreez motifs describe land, location, and identity, making it a powerful tool for cultural expression. Allathkani’s art incorporates these motifs to tell stories, both real and imaginative, addressing themes of erasure, loss, and the fantastical aspects of her culture. Ren’s pieces often reflect the architectural heritage of Palestine, inspired by her family’s historical home, using materials like adobe and clay to recreate and reimagine these structures.
Allathkani’s dedication to preserving Palestinian culture extends beyond art. She engages in deep research to learn about various traditional practices, some of which are nearly extinct. Allathkani’s work aims to revive and celebrate these traditions, ensuring they are not lost to time.
In addition, Allathkani is involved in community efforts. She hosts monthly tatreez circles, bringing together Palestinians and non-Palestinians to share and learn the craft. These gatherings serve as a space for cultural exchange and preservation, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage. She creates posters and artworks to raise awareness and funds, supporting efforts to help those affected by the crisis. Ren’s collaborative project, an imitation passport titled “Passport of Witness,” symbolizes the dreams and aspirations of Palestinians for freedom and mobility, capturing their hopes for a future where they can travel freely.
At the PMRCAA residency, Allathkani plans to create motifs based on the Oregon landscape, integrating them with traditional Palestinian designs.
Mark your calendars for Ren’s Open Studio on August 29th 4-6 PM where she will be joined by Kathleen Caprario, and Christina Martin.
