An art exhibition titled “Naqsh-e-Hari” showcasing 60 works, including paintings, miniatures, and calligraphy created by women, was held in the city of Herat.
Abdul Qadeer Aslamzada, the organizer of the exhibition, stated that the event was held for three days with the aim of supporting artists and creating a market for the sale of their artworks.
Mr. Aslamzada emphasized that 60 pieces were exhibited, around 40 of which were created by women. The exhibition was open to women visitors specifically on Wednesday and Thursday.
Meanwhile, artists consider the organization of such exhibitions beneficial for drawing public attention to the art of painting and creating opportunities for selling their works.
At the same time, Mawlawi Hamidullah Ghayasi, Head of Culture and Arts at the Herat Department of Information and Culture, said that the department is committed to supporting artists and is working to create opportunities for the sale of their artworks by organizing various exhibitions.
He added that in this regard, a permanent exhibition of artworks has been established at the Ikhtiyaruddin Castle in Herat province.
The paintings displayed at this exhibition reflect the passion, emotion, and creativity of women who, despite facing numerous challenges, have chosen the path of art.
Visitors to the exhibition also expressed their satisfaction with the event, emphasizing: “These paintings are not just artworks; they are stories of pain, hope, and beauty that deserve a place in every home, office, and workplace.”
They further stressed: “This art is the voice of Afghan girls—and it must be heard.”
This comes at a time when, since the rise of the current caretaker government, numerous restrictions have been imposed on artists, leading some to abandon their artistic pursuits.
These artworks were displayed despite the fact that for more than three years, the government has imposed severe restrictions on girls and women. Currently, girls and women are barred from attending school and university.
As a result of the current government’s actions, millions of school-aged girls have been deprived of education.
Additionally, women have been banned from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in both national and international NGOs, as well as even in United Nations offices in Afghanistan.
