UPDATE: An urgent exhibition titled Sparks in the Dark opened in Brunswick, Australia, on August 15, 2023, marking the fourth anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. This powerful showcase, featuring 208 embroidered handkerchiefs crafted by Afghan women, seeks to draw attention to their ongoing plight and resilience amid severe oppression under Taliban rule.
Curated by former Australian soldier Kat Rae and Afghan refugee Mursal Azizi, the exhibition aims to remind the world that the crisis in Afghanistan persists, particularly for women who have faced drastic restrictions on education, employment, and basic freedoms. Azizi, who fled Afghanistan and now resides in Melbourne, shares her story of loss and determination.
“Today, girls are banned from secondary school and women are barred from universities and most jobs,” Azizi noted. “They want to be part of the world, part of society. They need to survive.”
The centerpiece of the exhibition, the 208 handkerchiefs, symbolizes the number of weeks the Taliban have been in power, with each piece signed by its creator. Smuggling these artworks out of Afghanistan was fraught with danger, as their identification could lead to severe repercussions for the women involved. Rae described the logistical challenges: “It’s been a challenge, to say the least.”
The exhibition is currently open daily at the Brunswick Mechanic’s Institute from 11 AM to 4 PM until August 24, 2023. A free artists’ talk is scheduled for 6 PM on August 21, and an Afghan embroidery workshop will take place at 1 PM on August 23, with tickets available for $16.50.
This exhibition not only showcases the artistic talents of Afghan women but also serves as a call to action as their voices struggle to be heard in a world that often overlooks their suffering. Azizi’s commitment to spotlighting Afghan women’s resilience is clear: “No-one in the world is in the situation like Afghan women… they are the only women in this world that do not have any rights.”
As global attention shifts to various crises, the exhibition serves as a crucial reminder that the situation in Afghanistan remains dire, especially for women. Rae and Azizi are determined to ensure that Afghan women are not forgotten, emphasizing the need for continued support and awareness.
Join the conversation and support this vital cause by visiting Sparks in the Dark in Brunswick and sharing this urgent message about the resilience of Afghan women.
