One conflict most of us have grown up hearing about is that of Afghanistan. This graphic insists on a non-political perception of Afghanistan where a hopeful future is possible. Rather than war, death and control, it focuses on the rich cultural symbols from the country that make its people who they are: brave and optimistic.

These are represented by the grand blue-coloured Islamic tomb, Mazar-i-Sharif; an Afghan woman dressed in traditional attire, a man and two children found in archival photographs. All these symbols align in symbiosis against a glorious black star-gazed sky, inspired by vintage Sci-Fi comics, representing a theme of futurism. It sets a basis of calmness with a solar eclipse brightly shining ahead. An ancient African spiritual explanation for an eclipse centred around how human anger and conflict spreads all the way to celestial bodies where the sun and moon begin to fight.

The eclipse encourages humans on earth to mend old feuds and peacefully come together for a better future, respecting everyone's beliefs and identities.

About the artist

Nahal Sheikh is a journalist, editor and illustrator raised in Lahore and currently based in Amsterdam. Interested in South Asian and Middle Eastern narratives, her stories cut through issues of culture, ethnicity, gender, race and power structures. Her illustrations were featured in The Push virtual exhibition against anti-Asian hate crimes, and the Express-Impress exhibition about contemporary social issues. You can find more of Nahal’s work on Instagram @nahalsheikh and on her website.

Please note that the product price is not inclusive of shipping costs, which will be applied at checkout. Our delivery and returns policy can be found here.