NOTE: We spoke with this artist in the wake of the Coronavirus lockdown in 2020/21. Soon after, with the chaos and uncertainty prompted by the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, PSA held the posting of Fatimah Hossaini’s pages until we were assured of her safety.
Fatimah Hossaini is an Afghan-Tehran born artist, photographer, curator, and founder of Mastooraat Organization. She is the youngest among the first ten winners of the Hypatia International Award for her commitment in the field of research, art and professions. Hossaini received her Bachelor of Arts in photography from University of Tehran after earning her first bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. She taught as a member of the art faculty of Kabul University from 2018 to 2019.
Hossaini has worked and advocated for women and refugee rights on national and international platforms. Her work tells powerful stories of identity and femininity in Afghanistan. Although color and passion are the main drivers in her artwork, she specializes in the genre of staged photography.
Hossaini’s work has been featured and displayed in group exhibitions and art festivals in Iran, Afghanistan, India, Turkey, China, Japan, South Korea, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Albania, France, and New York. Her photographs and articles have been printed and featured in local and transnational publications. They have been featured by BBC, The Guardian, Aljazeera, LensCulture, TRT World, Bloomberg, Business Insider, Outriders, NRK, Sydasien, Art Represent, Le’ Figaro Magazine, L’Eclectique Magazine, Chiiz Magazine, CIIN Magazine, Nytt Magasin, Held collective, among others.
Fatimah’s Portfolio & Statement
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FACES OF KABUL: Photographer Fatimah Hossaini Captures the Beauty and Strength of Afghan Women
by Dianna Mazzone, Allure magazine, 21.Mar.2022
UNDER THE VEIL, Festival La Gacilly, France, 2023
Photographer Fatimah Hossaini: ‘In Kabul, there was so much hope and desire’ by Rachel Cooke, The Guardian, 07.Aug.2022
The Unseen Women of Afghanistan by Fatimah Hossaini, Guernica magazine, 03.Sep.2021
"Beauty amid War" in Afghanistan by Fatimah Hossaini, L'Eclectique magazine
Fashion photographer: 'The world doesn't see this part of Afghanistan' video by Gabriela Pomery, BBC News, 10.Aug.2021
Fatimah Hossaini is CEO of Mastooraat, a Kabul-based nonprofit organization begun with Sharif Safi, through which they work for Art, Women, Youth, and Peace. Established in 2019, the organization is off line at the time of this writing.
20 November