Photographs by Qadira Alizada
Sun climbs, kissing green leaves after rain. Hope sprouts undeterred; clouds drift…
Read more →Artwork by Angela Gulistani (Kimia)
Downtrodden, yet hopeful eyes meet ours. Though scarred, the bright scarf hints: tomorrow might bring a world of art and dreams.
I
The Chess Game of Power
This artwork is a metaphor for a society where women and girls are treated like chess pieces in the game of power. Their sorrowful faces and downcast eyes reflect the oppression and restrictions that limit their freedom and agency. It reminds the viewer that human destiny should never be reduced to a pawn in political and violent agendas.
II
Whispers of Hope
Two young women, dressed in white and blue, are immersed in the world of books — a symbol of love for knowledge and culture. The embroidered background bridges the cultural heritage of the past with the hope for a brighter future. This image conveys the message that even within restrictions, reading and learning can illuminate the path forward.
III
Wings Among Books
Girls seated on towering stacks of books, with wings of imagination on their backs, embody freedom of thought and spirit. Here, books are not only sources of knowledge but wings for escaping imposed limitations. The magical setting and muted tones highlight the contrast between harsh reality and bright ideals.
IV
A Smile Among Scars
The face of a young girl, partly hidden beneath a colourful scarf, carries a gentle smile and eyes full of hope. The marks on her skin represent the emotional and physical wounds of her past, while the vivid colours of her clothing reflect her inner strength and her hope for a better tomorrow.
V
Dance in the Shadows
A young woman in traditional Afghan dance attire moves gracefully before the Bamiyan statue, creating a bridge between Afghanistan’s ancient heritage and its present life. Despite the somber background, her dance expresses cultural resistance and the joy that survives even in the face of silence.
VI
The Melody of Freedom
A young woman in traditional dress sits atop a wooden fence with a musical instrument by her side, her gaze calm yet determined. The presence of a pet and lush nature creates a scene of peace and intimacy. This work symbolises the harmony between art, nature, and the freedom of the human spirit — a world that still lives in dreams.
Angela Gulistani
Angela Gulistani (Artist name: Kimia) is a digital painter born in Herat and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan. She completed her schooling and university in Kabul. Her work focuses on digital images and animations, often highlighting the challenges and restrictions faced by the people of Afghanistan, particularly women.Kimia has participated in several UN-organized exhibitions in Kabul and won second place in a regional art competition organized by UN Women among multiple Asian countries. Through her art, she aims to be a voice for girls whose freedom and right to education have been taken away, raising awareness worldwide about the situation in Afghanistan. She currently lives outside Afghanistan.