Three female artists held an exhibition in the capital city of western Herat province to display their artwork. These young female artists said they wanted to give a positive motivation to the Afghan women and that women and girls should be active in the society. “I want to motivate those who are at home and don’t want to do activities,” said Raufa Shams, an organizer of the exhibition.
At least 70 works were displayed at this exhibit. “There are a lot of girls and women who are silent now and don’t have the courage to say something. We wanted to present their voice through our work,’ said Rozita Mohammadi, an organizer.
The exhibition is the first to be held by female artists in Herat city since the fall of the former government. The visitors welcomed the exhibition.
“I call on the people to come here and see the exhibition. Their visit will also boost the motivation of these artists,” said Nazila Khadmi, a visitor.
Provincial officials said that they will support the art field in the country.
“The Ministry of Information and Culture supports the artists and those who have artistic skills,” said Naeemul Haq Haqqni, the head of Information and Culture of Herat.
The exhibition will be open for a period of eight days. The three young artists said that they are hoping to bring happiness to the faces of the citizens by holding such an exhibit.
Meanwhile, the portraits of 10 refugees are on display at an exhibit in Australia, many of whom have tried to gain asylum in Australia but have so far failed to do so, even after many years.
The exhibit, organized by an Australia-based Afghan, tells excerpts from the stories of hundreds of thousands of refugees, men and women, who have left their countries because of war or a lack of jobs, over the last two decades.
“On World Refugee Day, we take the opportunity (to think) about the choices that refugees and asylum seekers have to make. These people leave behind everything–family, culture and everything they know– to escape war, prosecution and terror,” said Jawid Musawer, artist and organizer of the event.
The event was warmly welcomed by visitors who hoped for a better future for the refugees. “Thank you very much, Jawed. We didn’t expect this one you did. Amazing. I love it. Same like a photo… Thank you,” said Anthony, a refugee, who is in Australia with his wife and they lost their 9-month-old son when their boat sank on their way to the country.
