Daniel Malikyar's photography project, 'Afghanistan', is a powerful and poignant exploration of a country often misunderstood through the lens of war and terrorism. The project, which has taken him across the country since 2018, is a deeply personal journey for Malikyar, who migrated to the US with his family from Afghanistan in 1979, just weeks before the Soviet invasion. What makes Malikyar's work so compelling is his ability to capture the beauty and dignity of Afghan people, often overlooked in the media narrative.
One of the most striking images from the project is a photograph of a young Afghan girl milking a giant yak in the Pamir Mountains. This image, taken by Malikyar, is a testament to the girl's calm and casual demeanor, a stark contrast to the typical perceptions of Afghanistan. The girl's ease in the photograph is a result of Malikyar's approach to photography, which involves building trust and understanding with his subjects. He emphasizes the importance of speaking the local language and connecting with the people he photographs, ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease.
Malikyar's work is a response to the negative connotations often associated with Afghanistan, particularly after 9/11. He wanted to showcase the country's beauty, culture, and people with dignity and honesty. By getting down to the subjects' eye level, Malikyar creates powerful and heroic images that challenge the typical narrative. This approach is particularly evident in the yak-milking photograph, where the girl's calm and casual demeanor is a powerful statement in itself.
The project is also a personal journey for Malikyar, who has seen the country change dramatically since his family's migration. He reflects on the contrast between the golden era of Afghanistan, captured in his parents' photographs from the 60s and 70s, and the current state of the country. This personal connection to the project adds a layer of depth and emotion to his work, making it a powerful commentary on the impact of migration and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Malikyar's 'Afghanistan' project is a call to action for viewers to see the country beyond the headlines and stereotypes. It is a reminder that every country has a rich and diverse history, and that understanding and appreciation of that history is essential to building bridges and fostering connections. Through his work, Malikyar invites us to see the beauty and dignity of Afghan people, and to challenge our own perceptions of the world around us.
