Revisiting Meena Sediqi, The Artist Exploring The Untold Story Of Afghanistan
Around a year ago, we told you about Meena Sediqi, a Sydney-based artist whose project Meena Home explored her Afghani heritage while demystifying stereotypes about the country.
The goal of Meena Home was to create a platform that countered the media narrative surrounding a nation that has spent much of its recent history at war. As she explained to Huck at the time: “My art rather emphasises the beauty and culture of war-torn countries.”
In fact, depictions of Afghanistan had been so limited that even Meena herself viewed the country through a “Western Lens”—until she visited it.
While there, she encountered a place of great beauty and complexity; where people are resilient and history and culture have endured amidst great hardship. “There were vibrant streets, marketplaces swarming with people, scenic views and amazing architecture,” she told Huck. “People were continuing to make a living regardless of the dangers that threatened them.”
Meena Home was a visually rich and illuminating work, so we naturally smashed that follow button on Sediqi’s IG after posting the article.
Seeing as she just uploaded a few images for the first time in a couple of weeks, we thought we’d go ahead and share some of these recent creations. As ever, they blend the old with the new, ancient culture with modern consumerism, and fame with family connection.
Remember, don’t be fooled by the ‘single story’! Every country contains multitudes! Just like you and everyone you know!
And also be sure to follow Meena Sediqi on Instagram (@meenahome)!
Ok thank you goodbye.
The next young Muslim artist you need to follow on Instagram is Zahrah Zubaidah, a ridiculously talented painter, sketcher and printmaker based in Glasgow.
After thirteen terrific instalments, we’re bidding farewell to The Young Muslim Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram series. What a wild ride it’s been.
Most of Sabah’s work - which is both realist and surrealist - embodies the harsh and gritty reality of war.
