They are young. They are creative. They are bold. ArtLords, a collective of artists and change-makers based in Afghanistan, are taking over the country using their pens and brushes. The group paints inspiring murals from tributes to the country’s police officers to anti-corruption messages calling on people to stand up for more transparency. They bring color and joy to the walls of our war-torn country and inspire change.
We recently reached out to Omaid Sharifi, a founder of ArtLord, for an interview. Read our conversation and be inspired.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you got involved with ArtLords.
Omaid Sharifi, 30, born, raised, educated – to some level – and living in Kabul. We started ArtLords three years ago with Kabir Mokamel, Lima Ahmad and a small group of friends. It was called “I See You” at that time. The team wanted to bring down the ugly security walls and promote critical thinking.
Why do you think Art Lord’s work is important in Afghanistan specifically?
ArtLords’ approach is innovative. For the first time, we are using street art, such as murals and graffiti, to raise awareness and lobby for social causes. This hasn’t been done in Afghanistan before and because it is new it draws people in.
What role do you think ArtLords plays in restoring Afghanistan’s culture?
ArtLords is a different story from Afghanistan. We are the positive and constructive lords. We put art and culture in focus for both the international community and Afghan Government. We also encourage citizens to get involved and study Afghanistan’s rich history in arts and culture. We use art to say we are more than war. We have a history. We have creative minds. We have things worth preserving.
What has the impact of your work been in our communities so far?
Hundreds of Afghan citizens from kids working on the streets to Ministers and Ambassadors have joined us on the streets and painted murals with us. It has awakened the conscious of the authorities holding public offices. A young attorney once told me that since the murals against corruption have been painted, there is a fear among attorneys at the Attorney General’s Office. That is change that gives me hope.
Your work inspires hope in Afghanistan. It shows the world a different face of the country. Why does this matter to you?
ArtLords is about hope, empathy, and compassion. We want to encourage Afghan citizens to smile and we hope to change the attitudes, opinions and behaviors of our people in positive ways. We are also a good story from Afghanistan. I feel honored and humbled to show the positive face of my country despite war and terrorism.
What are some of your favorite art pieces from the several years of working with ArtLords?
I love the pair of eyes in Shahr-e-Naw, Kabul. It says “I See you, Corruption is not hidden from God and People’s gaze” and the recent one at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul which promotes education.
How can ordinary citizens support your work?
Ordinary citizens can always join us and paint with ArtLords. They can visit our office and small gallery. Purchase our products like T-shirts. Also, they can give us ideas and support us financially from $1 to as much as they can.
Visit ArtLords’ Facebook page and Wesbite to learn more and reach out to Omaid and his colleagues.
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