Opening Reception “From Kabul to Connecticut: Works by Afghan Master Artists”

The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens is pleased to welcome Afghan master artists Alibaba Awrang, calligraphic artist, and Matin Malikzada, ceramist, for an art exhibition titled, “From Kabul to Connecticut: Works by Afghan Master Artists.” This show will feature works by both artists. The exhibit will be on view Saturday, October 29 through Sunday, November 20.

Hailing from Afghanistan, these two men and their families (each has a wife and four children) fled Kabul after the city fell into the hands of the Taliban in August of 2021. The families were granted refugee status in the United States, both resettling in New Milford in March of this year.

Both are talented artists, and are well known in their home country and abroad. Awrang practices calligraphy, but not as we think of it here in the States. His stunning works are more like paintings using bright colors to create bold patterns, loosely in the form of Persian letters.

Malikzada is a seventh-generation potter, having learned the craft from his father. He is internationally recognized for his technical skill and elegant designs. In Kabul, Malikzada served as head of the ceramics department at the Turquoise Mountain Institute, an NGO founded by Charles, Prince of Wales, where he studied in his youth.

An opening reception to welcome Awrang and Malikzada will be held Saturday, October 29 from 3 to 5 pm. Additionally, an artist talk with Awrang will be hosted at the Judy Black Park on Saturday, November 5 from 3 to 5 pm, and an art demonstration with Malikzada will be hosted at the Washington Art Association on Friday, November 11 from 5 to 7 pm.