Shamsia Hassani: Afghanistan's First Street Artist Defies Taliban in Kabul

Shamsia Hassani (Tehran, 1988), born in Iran to Afghan parents fleeing civil war, is recognized as Afghanistan's first street artist. In Kabul, where daily survival is precarious, she creates graffiti featuring women in chadors, often with musical instruments or in contemplative poses, challenging both the iconoclastic traditions of Islamic art and patriarchal norms. Her works are executed in about fifteen minutes in isolated areas to avoid bombs or aggression. No graffiti has been damaged or removed, though she has faced disapproving glances. Hassani co-founded Berang, an organization promoting contemporary art in Afghanistan through workshops, exhibitions, and meetings. Her latest project, Dream Graffiti, involves digitally placing women onto photographs of inaccessible sites, such as the niche of the Bamiyan Buddhas destroyed by the Taliban in 2002. She also teaches at the university, where students enthusiastically follow her courses. Social media provides a safer platform for approval. Hassani's work aims to place women at the center of civil progress, advocating for their rights to vote, health, education, and opinion.