Timeless Afghanistan: Celebrating Artistic Heritage and Beauty: Samira Kitman | Fakhria Nezami
“The colours, each design has a meaning, because it has heritage, it has a story” - Fakhria Nezami, miniature painter
Timeless Afghanistan: Celebrating Artistic Heritage and Beauty, brings together the work of two Afghan artists, calligrapher Samira Kitman and miniature painter Fakhria Nezami. The exhibition is presented as part of the second Human Rights Festival by the We Restart charity – Art Centre of Sanctuary, hosted by Cris Contini Contemporary London in collaboration with the charity Turquoise Mountain. Through painting, craftsmanship, and visual storytelling, the exhibition highlights the enduring beauty of Afghan culture and the role of art in preserving identity, memory, and heritage across borders and generations.
Turquoise Mountain is a charity supporting artisans and communities to protect and revitalise cultural heritage, founded in 2006 by His Majesty King Charles III. It does this by connecting artisans to international markets, fostering excellence in craftsmanship, and supporting their communities with healthcare and education. We Restart supports displaced and underrepresented artists rebuilding their creative and professional lives in London.
The featured artists were previously supported by Turquoise Mountain in Afghanistan and We Restart in London through its A.R.I.A. Hub (Asylum seekers, Refugees, and Immigrant Artists Hub). Through mentoring, exhibitions, networking opportunities, studio access, and community engagement, the A.R.I.A. Hub creates pathways for artists to reconnect with their practice, develop new audiences,and become active contributors to London’s cultural landscape — one of the most vibrant and diverse arts capitals in the world.
Timeless Afghanistan is ultimately a celebration of continuity: of artistic knowledge passed down through generations, of creativity carried across borders, and of the power of art to build bridges between cultures, communities, and futures.
Cris Contini Contemporary
1 Lonsdale Road | London W11 2BY
Telephone: +44 020 3972 9001
Email: info@criscontinicontemporary.com
Opening hours:
2-6 June 2026
Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm