Laila Shawa is a Palestinian artist whose work has been described as a personal reflection concerning the politics of her country, particularly highlighting perceived injustices and persecution. She is one of the most prominent and prolific artists of the Arabic revolutionary contemporary art scene. As a Palestinian living in the Gaza Strip for her formative years and the daughter of Rashad al-Shawa, activist and mayor of Gaza 1971–82, Shawa's revolutionary mindset was inculcated at a young age. Often her artwork, which includes paintings, sculptures, and installations, works with photographs that serve as the base for silkscreen printing. Her work has been internationally exhibited and is displayed in many public and private collections.