News
SUMMARY
Artist Shirin Neshat was commissioned to photograph Malala Yousafzai, facing the challenge of capturing an icon. Neshat chose to combine photography with calligraphy, hand-inscribing a Pashtu poem by Rahmat Shah Sayel directly onto selected prints. This process resulted in layered portraits that go beyond traditional photography, with the script functioning as both context and atmosphere. The resulting works are now part of an immersive exhibition in London.
TAKEAWAYS
Shirin Neshat photographed Malala Yousafzai for the National Portrait Gallery.
Neshat inscribed Pashtu poetry onto the photographic prints using calligraphy.
The calligraphy adds layers of meaning, connecting Malala to historical figures and cultural context.
These unique photographic and calligraphic works are featured in a London exhibition.