UPDATE: An urgent exhibition titled Sparks in the Dark has just opened in Brunswick, shining a light on the ongoing plight of Afghan women under Taliban rule. The exhibition not only pays tribute to their resilience but serves as a stark reminder that the crisis in Afghanistan has not faded from memory.
Curated by Kat Rae, a former Australian soldier, and Afghan refugee Mursal Azizi, the exhibition opened on August 15, marking four years since the Taliban seized Kabul. This date underscores the dire situation for women in Afghanistan, where freedoms have been stripped away, leaving them vulnerable and oppressed.
The centerpiece of the exhibition features 208 embroidered handkerchiefs, each crafted by Afghan women. This poignant number reflects the 208 weeks since the Taliban’s takeover, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition. Both Rae and Azizi contributed personal artworks, highlighting their unique backgrounds and connections to Afghanistan.
Azizi, who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s rise to power, expressed the despair felt by women still living under oppressive conditions. “Today, girls are banned from secondary school and women are barred from universities and most jobs,” she stated. “The environment is harsh, with reports of women being arrested simply for walking alone.”
Despite these challenges, Azizi emphasizes the strength of Afghan women. The idea for the exhibition emerged from her desire to support women back home through the sale of their embroidery, an art form deeply rooted in Afghan culture.
Rae, who served two deployments in Afghanistan, shared her commitment to amplifying Afghan women’s voices. “Many veterans feel devastated by the situation and want to help,” she said. Their collaboration aims to raise awareness and funds for Afghan women, showcasing the intricate handkerchiefs that reflect their stories.
The logistical challenges of smuggling the handkerchiefs out of Afghanistan were immense, with Rae describing the process as fraught with danger. “It’s been a challenge to ensure the safety of the women involved,” she explained. The handkerchiefs arrived in Melbourne just days before the exhibition opened, emphasizing the urgency of their message.
Visitors can explore Sparks in the Dark at the Brunswick Mechanic’s Institute, located at 270 Sydney Road, from 11 AM to 4 PM daily until August 24. A free artists’ talk is scheduled for 6 PM on August 21, with an Afghan embroidery workshop available for $16.50 at 1 PM on August 23.
This exhibition is not just an art showcase; it is a call to action and an emotional engagement with the struggles faced by Afghan women. As Azizi poignantly stated, “No one in the world is in the situation like Afghan women.”
The urgency of this message is clear: Afghan women need global support and recognition now more than ever. Join the conversation and share this vital message to ensure their voices are not silenced.
