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The feeling of home: An exploration into ‘Afghanistan, My Love’

A new art exhibition provides a pair of fresh eyes on Afghanistan through the contemporary works of Afghan artists

By: Kaden Nanji

A red and blue staircase with a printed traditional Afghanistan carpet design and saying, “Afghanistan, My Love”
The staircase leading into the “Afghanistan, My Love” exhibition at Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. (Kaden Nanji/CanCulture)

Reflecting on their home, artists explore their nation’s identity — transcending any physical location — in Toronto’s Aga Khan Museum’s newest art exhibition, “Afghanistan, My Love.”

When searching for pictures of Afghanistan on Google, the top results are guaranteed to be filled with weapons and militias. The idea of Afghanistan as a violent combat scene, rather than a home to millions of individuals, has been perpetuated by the media for years. Since 9/11 and the War on Terror that followed, the image of Afghanistan in the Western eye has gradually deteriorated. Today, the idea of Afghanistan as anything beyond a warzone is unfathomable to some.

“Afghanistan, My Love” works against this stigma and acts as a reminder of the country’s culture and beauty beyond the commonly painted backdrop of war and destruction.

“Afghanistan My Love” highlights Afghanistan as a place of “cultural richness, diversity and deep love,” according to the Aga Khan Museum’s website. It offers visitors a glimpse into Afghanistan that paints it as more than a physical place, but as a home, a memory and an identity.

Showcasing the work of Toronto-based Afghan-Canadian artist Shaheer Zazai and those from the global grassroots art collective ArtLords, the exhibition was put together as a love letter.

“We try to consider relevant topics apropos to the time [and] we were keen to change the lens of Afghanistan,” said Marianne Fenton, Aga Khan Museum’s special projects curator.

Three large photographs of murals displayed on a yellow wall.
ArtLords community mural projects in Kabul, Afghanistan showcased at the “Afghanistan, My Love” exhibition at Aga Khan Museum. (Kaden Nanji/CanCulture)

The first portion of the exhibit focuses on the work by ArtLords, their movement focusing on peace, empathy, kindness and accessibility for art in Afghanistan, South Asia and SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) countries, according to their mission statement.

Alongside members of the local community, ArtLords developed a series of interactive murals throughout Afghanistan on large walls, buildings and even blast walls — barriers designed to protect buildings and the individuals who reside in them. These murals depict different ideologies shared by communities including ending war, education for young girls and against government corruption.

As part of the exhibition, a portion of ArtLords’ community work in Afghanistan is showcased inside the museum. Through photographs of local Afghans decorating the murals, ArtLords aims to amplify Afghan voices.

Varying sizes of many printed images of colourful and patterned carpets displayed on a white wall.
 Shaheer Zazai’s traditional Afghanistan carpet renderings using Microsoft Word showcased at the “Afghanistan, My Love” exhibition at Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. (Kaden Nanji/CanCulture)

The second portion of the exhibition centres on the work of Afghan-Canadian artist, Zazai — focusing on the influence of Afghan culture and diaspora. 

Exploring the layers of his complex cultural identity while working with Afghan women weavers, Zazai creates traditional Afghan carpets by designing patterns using various tools within Microsoft Word, which he then repeats and formats to create the appearance of a traditional Afghan carpet. He then sends these prints to Kabul, Afghanistan, where they are weaved into intricate carpets.

“Zazai’s pieces are a testament to the unifying power of art created within the context of community and rich cultural histories,” reads the museum’s website. His work showcases the influence of intergenerational Afghan carpet-making, merging it with Western culture through technological tools as an Afghan in the diaspora.

“Afghanistan, My Love” encapsulates our shared humanity. Looking past the country’s stigmas and misconceptions, the featured creators demonstrate art as a powerful medium for connection during times of adversity.

A postcard that reads, “ I hope for the future to be a love and peaceful world, where kindness is nothing but eye contact, and where happiness is the reason to live.” “To: Afghanistan, My Love” “From: Karen and Mauricia.”
 A postcard with a message to Afghanistan signed by museum visitors “Karen and Mauricia.” Visitors are welcome to participate in this interactive portion of the “Afghanistan, My Love” exhibition at Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. (Kaden Nanji/CanCulture)

To visit the Aga Khan Museum is to not only learn more about Afghan culture through a contemporary art exhibition, but to learn about the influence of different cultures in Canada, and how art can be seen as a visualized form of pluralism. When a group of people from different places work together to create something beautiful using the experiences and skills collected from their backgrounds, true works of art are formed.

Looking back at the gallery wall containing messages to Afghanistan from individuals from different places and walks of life, it’s easy to find one thing in common: a shared humanity. This exhibition is best expressed through the eloquent words on one of the postcards displayed: “I hope for the future to be a love and peaceful world, where kindness is nothing but eye contact, and where happiness is the reason to live.”

“Afghanistan, My Love” will be displayed at the Aga Khan Museum until April 10, 2023.