Lena’s risograph book (24pgs - edition of 60) is an ode to the things we inherit from our families;
'gifts we didn't realize were gifts', the meaning we glean from stories, recipes, memories, and
tangible items, and the stories they tell. Lena's family was forced to leave their home in
Jerusalem, Palestine, and moved to Jordan, eventually settling all around the world in search of
new places to make 'home'. This book is the culmination of the collection of all these inherited
gifts – tangible and intangible – that piece together what her Palestinian identity means to her.

“Gifts I Didn’t Know Were Gifts” is the culmination of work created during Risolana’s inaugural
Artist-in-Residence Program.