Highland photojournalist launches 'Faces of Kabul' exhibition in Glenurquhart library
Photojournalism exhibition,‘Faces of Kabul’ by Nick Sidle, launches at Glenurquhart Library, for two weeks. 'Faces of Kabul' tells the human story of the people of Kabul and the surrounding areas of Afghanistan in the early months of 2002, shortly after the Taliban regime had fallen.
Highland photojournalist Nick Sidle, was given special access to tell the visual story of Afghanistan in the months following 9/11. He followed the soldiers in their day–to–day role, and he captured ordinary life for the people of Afghanistan, in a period of intense social change. This included the rebuilding of homes, and seeing girls go to school for the first time in years.
In 2020, Creative Scotland provided funding for Nick, to produce a new exhibition, re–visiting this story, to present for the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Dr Sabir Zazai, CEO of Scottish Refugee Council says:"Afghanistan has endured decades of dreadful conflict, and this has left the whole population in
precarious conditions. Millions are internally displaced and others are forced to flee to seek protection in neighbouring countries and further afield around the world. The 'Faces of Kabul' exhibition will remind you of the impact from decades of war, but also the courage, resilience and hopes of ordinary Afghans."
Sitakumari, director of Heartstone said:"This exhibition produced by Nick Sidle, is about seeing people, not prejudice. 'Faces of Kabul' reminds us all of the events from which started 20 years ago, the sadness, tragedies and loss but also the hopes and dreams that were there at that time. Photojournalism allows us to step into the shoes of people who we may perceive as so different from ourselves, but we then come to the understanding that they are not so different."
Abdul Bostani, director of Glasgow Afghan United, said:"The 'Faces of Kabul' are the faces of humanity, ordinary people plunged into extraordinary
circumstances. This exhibition is powerful, touching and timely. As we see yet another human catastrophe unfold in Ukraine, 'Faces of Kabul' reminds us that life can change quickly and without warning, and with serious consequences for civilian life. It's just 20 years since these pictures were taken and Afghanistan is again in Taliban hands. We ask the world not to forget Afghanistan or the faces of Kabul. We are them, they are us."
Clare Daly, manager of Highlands & Islands Migrant and Refugee Advocacy (HIMRA) said:"The events and aftermath of 9/11 cannot be underestimated – it essentially shifted our world, and has continued to bring issues forward such as security, terrorism, human rights, globalisation, and the relationship between the East and the West.
"Nick Sidle’s exhibition is timely for a number of reasons. The exhibition encourages engagement, and reflection on what has been learned in the 20 years since 9/11, using artistic expression.’
The ‘Faces of Kabul’ installation will be shown at Glenurquhart Library for two weeks, before moving on to its next location.
