The exhibition Afghani War Rugs Reimagined is Ghafar Tajmohammad’s personal reinterpretation of Afghan War Rugs. It showcases expanded paintings, handwoven rugs, and engaging audio and text narratives from the Afghan diaspora in the UK. A poignant response to the events surrounding the Fall of Kabul in August 2021, it aims to preserve memories and encourage dialogue between cultures. Partnering organisations include: Counterpoints Arts, Yorkton Workshop, Afghan Association London Harrow, a-n The Artists Information Co, Arts Council England | Grant in Aid and Conflict Textiles

It takes place in the context of Refugee Week 2023 (19 – 25 June). Conflict Textiles curator Roberta Bacic will facilitate a ‘hands on’ textile workshop linked to the exhibition and Refugee Week, which has compassion as its 2023 theme.

This collaboration with Conflict Textiles has developed through Ghafar’s participation in several recent Conflict Textile led initiatives: a workshop at the London School of Economics Anticolonial Archiving as Method (March 2023) and workshops in Belfast and Derry (April 2023), connected to the Mujeres Disruptivas / Disruptive Women exhibition

The workshop will take place 11am – 3pm, Monday 20 June.
For further information/booking details contact Ghafar via the exhibition website Afghani War Rugs Reimagined, instagram @ghaf.tm or twitter @GTajmohammad

Further details on the exhibition:

“Afghani War Rugs Reimagined,” a thought-provoking visual art exhibition by artist Ghafar Tajmohammad will run at the Yorkton Workshop in Hackney from June 19th until June 24th, commissioned by Counterpoints Arts, supported by Arts Council England and partnered with Afghan Association London Harrow.

The exhibition invites visitors to explore Ghafar Tajmohammad’s personal reinterpretations of Afghan War Rugs. Through a unique blend of art and oral history the exhibition showcases expanded paintings, handwoven rugs, and engaging audio and text narratives that go beyond the pictorial symbols of conflict and violence, to examine instead the lived migration elements of the Afghan diaspora in the UK.

Delve into the rich tapestry of Afghan culture and gain insight into the experiences of the multigenerational Afghan diaspora living in the UK.

This exhibition serves as a response to the recent events surrounding the Fall of Kabul in August 2021, aiming to preserve memories and encourage dialogue between cultures.

About the artist

Ghafar Tajmohammad is a visual artist who works primarily in painting, but extends beyond the conventional practice and into the realm of expanded painting; allowing the artwork to exist as installation pieces. This approach allows the artist to stress the inherent textile materiality of raw canvas and connect with the rich culture of textiles and carpet weaving. Within the artwork, recognisable motifs, imagery, and geometry fuse to form narratives suggestive of dual identities from lived experiences.
Conceptually, the artistic practice reflects upon the idea of home for migrant communities. It express the abstract search for belonging and the experiences of those made to relocate. As a British Afghan who was displaced as a child, Ghafar’s work is community-orientated focus and in his first solo exhibition chooses to advocate for the Afghan diaspora voices so often unheard.

The exhibition is part of Refugee Week 2023 which has the theme of “Compassion”.

Ghafar Tajmohammad on living in the UK during the ‘Fall of Kabul’ on August 15 2021:

“The news headline THE FALL OF KABUL was displayed in the digital billboard at Charing Cross station just above the entrance for platform 1.

Seeing that broke me.

Until then, I kept maintaining to everyone that I was okay and that my family was okay. I shrugged off a comment a few days ago by a visitor calling me ‘whitewashed’ for not being angry enough. I nodded understandably as a charity that worked on the grounds in Afghanistan, told me that we would have to cancel our part time design project due to the growing turmoil. I ignored messages of support from friends.

But seeing that headline brought me right back to my 9 year old self who knew little about the war, but even less about his home.”

Tom Green, Senior Producer at Counterpoints Arts says:

“We’re so excited to have been involved in commissioning this new exhibition from Ghafar Tajmohammad. He’s a thoughtful and innovative artist who brings a much needed perspective on connections between Afghanistan and Britain, in the context of displacement. We can’t wait for people to have a chance to see this new work and to share their responses to it.”

Visitors can participate in four special events – reserve free tickets via Eventbrite

Workshop: Conflict Textiles

Date: June 19th, 11:00-15:00 PM

Description: Conflict Textiles curator Roberta Bacic will facilitate a ‘hands on’ textile workshop linked to the Afghani War Rugs Reimagined exhibition and Refugee Week.

Private View:

Date: June 22nd, 6:00-9:00 PM

Description: Join us for an exclusive Private View of “Afghani War Rugs Reimagined” exhibition. This event offers an opportunity to explore Ghafar Tajmohammad’s captivating artworks until late hours, accompanied by refreshment. Experience the exhibition in a lively setting and a chance to meet and hear from the artist.

Drop-in Rug Weaving Workshop:

Date: Throughout the exhibition period

Description: Engage with the interactive installation of a large loom during the Drop-in Rug Weaving Workshop. Witness the transformation of the artwork as the loom gradually becomes more complete over the course of the exhibition. Join artist Ghafar Tajmohammad in this immersive experience where you can actively participate in the weaving process. Visit the workshop during gallery hours to be part of this unique artistic endeavor.

Panel Discussion on Afghan Art and Artists featuring Lazo Studio:

Date: June 24th, 1pm

Description: Join artist Ghafar Tajmohammad, Hedieh Wojgani and Naseer Yasna for a stimulating Panel Discussion on Afghan Art and Artists. Hear from active members of the Afghan creative community about the cultural significance of Afghan art in this bilingual event, provided in English and Dari. Gain insights from Ghafar Tajmohammad for his reinterpretations of Afghan War Rugs, and discover the artistic vision of Lazo Studios, an art, design, and wood crafting atelier founded by Hedieh and Naseer who worked in Afghanistan. Limited tickets are available for this talk, which will feature catered traditional Afghan food.