Made with taar, these works are an experiment with new mediums. Young artist Mohammad Zia Forogh, a student of Raashed Rahmani, has changed the art scene with is new innovative medium. Taken a page from Akram’s book of using various available mediums such as mud, Forogh is deliberate, innovative and a risk taker in an otherwise tradionalist art seen.
Taking inspiration of Rumi’s poem the reed flute being cut from the reedbed, punched holes and blown by the shepherd. The cries of the reed flute are the longing of the cut reed to get back to the bed of reeds – back home where it belongs. Here forogh depicts that reed bed so it be a reminder of where our souls really long for.
Here Forogh depicts ancient ruins of Afghanistan, representing the past splendors of a once mighty empire. Birthplace of worriors, prophets, geniouses and madmen, this land has seen its share of history and has contributed to humanity. This is both a mourning of the past and a tribute to its former glory.
Buzkashi is the traditional sport of northern Afghanistan. It literally means goat dragging and is an ancient sport. Said to be invented by the Mongol and Turkic tribes, with a strong horse culture, this national sport of Afghanistan is the ethnic sport of the northern Uzbek, Tajik and Turkmen. This sport is usually played after harvest and the players are mostly farmers, with strong bodies. Players are called chopandaaz. The famous buzkashi horses belong to large landowners. There are generally two types of buzkashi, teams or every man for himself. The objective of the game is to take the decapitated goat from one circle on one end of the field, go around a flag or poll on the other side of the field and come back to drop it the other helal circle near the first circle. For further information read Whitney Azoy’s book on Buzkhashi.
Buzkashi is the traditional sport of northern Afghanistan. It literally means goat dragging and is an ancient sport. Said to be invented by the Mongol and Turkic tribes, with a strong horse culture, this national sport of Afghanistan is the ethnic sport of the northern Uzbek, Tajik and Turkmen. This sport is usually played after harvest and the players are mostly farmers, with strong bodies. Players are called chopandaaz. The famous buzkashi horses belong to large landowners. There are generally two types of buzkashi, teams or every man for himself. The objective of the game is to take the decapitated goat from one circle on one end of the field, go around a flag or poll on the other side of the field and come back to drop it the other helal circle near the first circle. For further information read Whitney Azoy’s book on Buzkhashi.
A serene village at the edge of a desert, windy streets twisting right and left and a feeling of serenity and peace presiding in this single colored canvas – a tribute to the work of the artist.
Drawing the lesser known picture of the National Geographic’s Afghan Girl by Steve McCurry, forogh challenges the viewer to see another side of that infamous picture. Even in this unusual form, Forogh has succeeded in creating her piecing unforgettable eyes.
Taking inspiration of Rumi’s poem the reed flute being cut from the reedbed, punched holes and blown by the shepherd. The cries of the reed flute are the longing of the cut reed to get back to the bed of reeds – back home where it belongs. Here forogh depicts that reed bed so it be a reminder of where our souls really long for.
Buzkashi is the traditional sport of northern Afghanistan. It literally means goat dragging and is an ancient sport. Said to be invented by the Mongol and Turkic tribes, with a strong horse culture, this national sport of Afghanistan is the ethnic sport of the northern Uzbek, Tajik and Turkmen. This sport is usually played after harvest and the players are mostly farmers, with strong bodies. Players are called chopandaaz. The famous buzkashi horses belong to large landowners. There are generally two types of buzkashi, teams or every man for himself. The objective of the game is to take the decapitated goat from one circle on one end of the field, go around a flag or poll on the other side of the field and come back to drop it the other helal circle near the first circle. For further information read Whitney Azoy’s book on Buzkhashi.
The artist gives hint of hope even from afar, passing the valleys and deserts of despair to reach to the God sent light we all strive, spiritually and otherwise.
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