Muzafar Ali’s ‘Finding Hope in Afghanistan’ to open in Shoalhaven Regional Gallery
A powerful exhibition showcasing how Afghan girls and women must risk their lives in order to receive an education in a Taliban ruled nation is set to open in a South Coast gallery.
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A powerful exhibition showcasing how Afghan girls and women must risk their lives in order to receive an education in a Taliban ruled nation is set to open in a South Coast gallery.
Now, the man behind the lens has spoken out, urging Australians to take a long hard look.
The exhibition – ‘Finding Hope in Afghanistan’ – opens in Shoalhaven Regional Gallery on Saturday and was created by internationally renowned photographer and Afghan refugee, Muzafar Ali.
Mr Ali returned to the now Taliban ruled Kabul to take the powerful images showcasing girls and women risking their lives to attend underground schools.
The talented photographer previously worked for the United Nations, supporting the disbandment of illegal armed groups and promoting human rights.
This time around, the human rights advocate has used a camera in a bid to educate Australians of the dangers women face in a state in the grips of such control.
“Australia as a country can play a role to put pressure on the Taliban to at least allow women to get an education,” Mr Ali said.
He also said the exhibition would allow the South Coast community to reflect on Australia’s military involvement in the wartorn nation.
“The people who supported the Australian forces are still stuck in Kabul,” Mr Ali said.
“I want to raise awareness that we have immense responsibilities to save those people’s lives.”
The Nowra exhibition has attracted interest from the Afghanistan Ambassador to Australia, Wahidullah Waissi, and Afghanistan expert and Emeritus professor, Bill Maley, who are each travelling to Nowra to view the exhibition.
The powerful display also falls on the regional art gallery’s 21st birthday, with Shoalhaven mayor Patricia White saying she was thrilled such an important display was being housed in the coastal facility.
“This exhibition is credit to the reputation of our gallery,” she said.
“The gallery is a centrepiece of our city, home to cultural and creative expression of our local, national and international arts communities.”
Shoalhaven Council revealed three additional exhibitions will also open at the gallery on Saturday including ‘Single Channel’, a touring exhibition from the National Gallery of Australia, ‘Analog’, a curated performance event, and ‘New Horizons 2025’, which showcases some of the youngest, emerging artists from across the Shoalhaven.
‘Finding Hope in Afghanistan’ will open to the public on Saturday, February 15, between 4pm and 6pm.
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Originally published as Muzafar Ali’s ‘Finding Hope in Afghanistan’ to open in Shoalhaven Regional Gallery
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