GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Dozens of girls have showcased their paintings and other creative works at a three-day exhibition in southern Ghazni province.
Nazanin Nowruzi, the exhibition organiser, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the event was organised for the first time through the personal contributions of several talented local girls, without support from any government institution or aid organisation.
She said the exhibition aimed to promote a culture of reading, highlight girls’ artistic abilities and introduce their handmade works to the public.
According to Nowruzi, many girls have considerable artistic talent, but a lack of facilities and financial support prevents them from developing their abilities.
She called on the government, businesspeople, philanthropists and relevant institutions to support girls’ artistic activities so that larger exhibitions could be organised in Ghazni.
Zahra Alizada, one of the exhibitors, said she had displayed two artworks and viewed painting as a way of expressing her feelings.
She said she had previously migrated to Iran because of difficulties but later returned to Afghanistan. Unable to access educational opportunities, she decided to pursue painting.
Another participant, Nargis, said organising such programmes was useful for encouraging girls and developing their talents.
She said artistic works received little appreciation in Afghanistan and that she had sometimes burned her paintings because they had not sold and were not considered valuable.
Fatima Wahedi, a visitor to the exhibition, said she was pleased to see the girls’ artistic abilities and believed their displayed works deserved appreciation.
While calling for greater support for girls, she also urged that educational opportunities be provided to help them further develop their talents.
A number of girls in Ghazni have turned to handicrafts, painting, tailoring and other artistic and vocational activities to use their time productively and combat feelings of hopelessness.
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