Rada Akbar is a renowned Afghan conceptual artist and photographer known for her thought-provoking work that often explores themes of women’s rights, cultural identity, and social issues in Afghanistan. Her work combines powerful imagery with a deep cultural narrative, aiming to challenge stereotypes and spark meaningful conversations.
One of her notable projects is “Abarzanan” (Superwomen), an annual photographic exhibition that honors Afghan women who have made significant contributions to society, despite the many challenges they face. Through her art, Akbar sheds light on the resilience and strength of Afghan women in a country often portrayed through the lens of conflict and oppression.
For example, the 2020 Abarzanan exhibition commemorated a young Afghan woman, Rukhshana, who had fled an arranged marriage to a much older man and eloped with a young lover in a Taliban-controlled district in western Afghanistan.
The project goes beyond traditional portraiture—Akbar creates elaborate, symbolic garments and installations that honor these women’s legacies, visually reclaiming a space for them in history. The exhibition serves as both an artistic tribute and an act of defiance against a culture that often silences women’s voices.
Her courageous and evocative work has garnered international recognition, making her an influential voice in contemporary art and activism.
Her work is deeply personal and political. After the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Akbar was forced to flee Afghanistan, yet she continues to create, using art as a tool of resistance and remembrance. In exile, she remains vocal about the plight of Afghan women, using her platform to challenge narratives of victimhood and instead highlight their agency and strength.
To see more of her work, follow her on Instagram and X.
