From gallery to online sales: Herat girls keep painting alive

In Herat city, a significant number of female painters have turned to online platforms to sell their artwork due to limited job opportunities in other sectors. These young artists view online sales not only as a means to earn an income but also as a vital method to preserve the art of painting amid challenging circumstances. Among them, Ziba Halimi shared her experience with Pajhwok Afghan News, explaining that she began learning painting following recent political changes. With galleries largely inactive, she relies on social media to display her work and manage customer orders. Although this approach has provided her with financial support, she faces challenges such as last-minute cancellations from clients. Another prominent figure in Herat's online art scene, Shabana Taheri, emphasizes the importance of online stores for women artists, especially after restrictions on women’s activities limited their public engagement. Taheri noted a steady increase in her customer base over recent months but stressed that further support is necessary. She advocates for organizing in-person exhibitions and expanding opportunities for female artists to showcase their talents beyond virtual platforms. Painting instructor Tahira Muradi highlighted the deep cultural connection between art and Afghanistan’s identity. She called for both national and international exhibitions as crucial venues for female painters to promote and sell their artwork. Her perspective underscores the need for broader recognition and support to sustain Afghanistan’s artistic heritage, especially among women. Behnaz Saljooqi, head of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Herat’s western zone, pointed out the growing enthusiasm among girls for painting and online sales. According to her, economic hardships and a lack of infrastructure to establish conventional art galleries primarily drive these artists towards online markets. The Women’s Chamber of Commerce has recently provided training and online sales opportunities to 50 female artists, aiming to empower them economically and artistically. Officials from the Directorate of Information and Culture in Herat also expressed their commitment to supporting women artists. Hamidullah Ghiyasi, head of the department’s art and culture section, stated that several exhibitions have already been organized to promote female painters in the province. He further revealed plans for larger-scale national and international exhibitions to provide more extensive platforms for women artists in the near future. These efforts reflect a growing institutional recognition of the importance of nurturing female artistic talent despite prevailing challenges.