I use photography to document untold and overlooked stories, fostering a deeper connection with my surroundings. My images are a form of meditation, bringing me inner peace.
I captured a portrait of Naz Naik, an emerging artist, spotlighting Afghan women's stories through her heartfelt work. Naik’s art portrays these women’s beauty, challenges, shattered dreams and grief as a result of the Taliban's capture of Kabul on 15 August 2021. This marked a dark day where aspirations and lives were crushed, denying young dreamers 20 years of progress and hope. Behind women’s blue veils are countless talents, silenced voices and memories of dreams abruptly stolen. Naik holds a dambura (a fretless, two-stringed, long-necked lute), a poignant symbol of joy and sorrow among Afghanistan's Hazara community. The dambura has been banned by the Taliban along with music, once a beacon of celebration as well as protest.
This image serves to honour resilient and defiant Afghan women and those worldwide, whose courage and stories often go unheard.