Hi Mohammad, thank you for making the time to speak with us today! Can you share how your artistic journey began and what inspired you to pursue art?

Mohammad Alem Afzalli: Art has been a part of my life since childhood. I remember watching Bob Ross and being mesmerized by how peaceful his work was. One day, I tried drawing an eye, then kept adding details until I had created a realistic portrait. By the age of seven, I was drawing portraits of my father and beginning to experiment with calligraphy as well.

One of my biggest influences was Alibaba Awrang, a renowned Afghan calligrapher. I saw his work on television and was captivated by the way he created intricate, expressive designs. Though I didn’t have formal training due to economic challenges and other factors, I was determined to learn by observing and practicing. I also remember winning a drawing contest in middle school, where I created a portrait of Imam Muhammad Ghazali. That experience solidified my passion for art, even in the face of limited resources growing up in Kabul.

Your Spring design for Ziba features vibrant colors and abstract Persian calligraphy. What inspired this unique approach?

Mohammad Alem Afzalli: Persian calligraphy has deep historical roots, and I wanted to have a more modern approach while still honoring its traditions. I sought to experiment with letterforms in an abstract way. Spring, as a season of renewal, influenced the colors and patterns. It was important to me that the design felt both culturally significant and visually striking. Working closely with the team from Ziba Foods, we refined the design to balance artistic expression with the practical aspects of packaging.

How did you merge traditional Persian calligraphy with abstraction in your artwork?

Mohammad Alem Afzalli: I wanted to respect tradition while innovating within it. Afghan calligraphy often leans toward classical forms, but I was drawn to experimenting with abstraction—blending historical influences with modern techniques. I was particularly inspired by the fluidity and expressive nature of Persian and Arabic letter collages. Alibaba Awrang’s work deeply influenced me, especially his ability to create compositions that felt both structured and free-flowing. My goal was to weave individual letters into a cohesive, dynamic visual language.

Spring is a time of renewal and growth. How did that theme shape your design for the Spring gift box?

Mohammad Alem Afzalli: Spring in Afghanistan is a time of transformation. The earth reawakens, flowers bloom, and there’s a sense of fresh beginnings. I wanted to capture that energy in the design. The vibrant, punchy colors reflect the liveliness of the season, while the flowing patterns evoke movement and renewal. Beyond just nature, spring also symbolizes cultural rebirth, which I sought to express through the calligraphy and composition.

What did you enjoy most about collaborating with Ziba Foods on this project?

Mohammad Alem Afzalli: The collaboration itself was incredibly rewarding. Working with the Ziba team was very inspiring—we exchanged ideas and built upon each other’s creative visions. There’s something magical about merging different perspectives to bring a concept to life. Seeing the final product and reflecting on the journey to get there was a fulfilling experience.

What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or new artistic directions on the horizon?

Mohammad Alem Afzalli: I’m currently developing a complete font inspired by Afghan typography, which is my way of preserving and modernizing our artistic heritage. Additionally, I’ve been studying the works of other Afghan artists who, like Alibaba Awrang, have dedicated themselves to preserving and innovating traditional art forms. Their work inspires my future projects.

Any final thoughts?

Mohammad Alem Afzalli: I hope more people take the time to explore Afghanistan’s untapped visual heritage. There is so much beauty in our traditions, and they deserve to be shared with the world. I’m grateful for platforms like Ziba Foods that give artists like me the opportunity to showcase our culture through design.