Episode 38: Art & Resistance in Afghanistan post-Taliban Takeover with ArtLords
“My enthusiasm and interest has always been; what tools can I use to ease the suffering of people around me? What can I do to bring a bit of hope, empathy, and kindness to the people who have suffered so much?”
On the latest episode of Art Persists, we speak to Omaid Sharifi, Co-Founder & CEO of ArtLords, a grassroots movement founded in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2014, driven by the desire to harness the transformative power of art.
We talk to Omaid about the early days of ArtLords, where he and group of artists and volunteers would paint the empty walls of Kabul and the rest of Afghanistan with murals, focused on bringing communities together.
He tells us about August 2021 where the Taliban retook control over Afghanistan and the devastating days that have followed since - Omaid now lives in exile in the USA. He goes on to tell us about the incredible work that ArtLords continues to do today, both in Afghanistan and out, and the hope he still holds to one day return to his country.
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About
ArtLords, a movement of self-styled “artivists,” champions the cause of defending artistic freedom and democracy through street art in Afghanistan and across the world. They wield art as a powerful instrument to educate, engage communities, and foster shared experiences. ArtLords confronts challenging social and political issues head-on, embracing art’s transformative power to address these concerns. At the core of our mission lies a deep-seated vision for healing, peace, and the steadfast support of democratic values and artistic expression.
Discover their work: https://artlords.co/
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