Ziba Foods: Nematullah, thank you so much for making the time to speak with me today! Can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming an artist?

Nematullah: It’s a journey that began very early for me. I was born in Bamyan, when the world famous Buddhas were still standing. At ten, I came to Kabul and began to work with carpets, which was a very different path than painting. Years later, I joined the Turquoise Mountain Institute, a nonprofit that supports artisans. I spent three years in their institute for miniature painting, and now I am an apprentice in the true sense of the word.

Ziba Foods: Afghan miniature painting is a tradition known for its incredible detail and symbolism, with distinct styles like the Herat school. What aspects of this art form inspire you most, and how do you bring them into your work today?

Nematullah: I appreciate the complexity and refinement of artistic details, and I strive to create works of great delicacy that inspire reflection in the viewer. In my current practice, I aim to incorporate the fine linework and subtle miniature shading of the Herat school, as this approach not only brings me joy but also breathes new life into each piece.

Ziba Foods: Miniature painting often emphasizes detail and symbolism. Your artwork for Ziba features a circular “window” of color. Can you tell me about the meaning behind that?

Nematullah: The window is a traditional element from classical miniature painting. The brown color around the outside and the circular shape help to focus the viewer’s eye on the main objects- the fruits and nuts- in the center. It’s a way of highlighting the vibrant colors and detailed work within, using traditional techniques to draw attention to the main subject.

Ziba Foods: The piece also seems to be filled with symbolic details, like the birds you’ve included. Can you tell me about what they represent?

Nematullah: The birds are a very traditional symbol in miniature painting as well. I don’t want them to be too realistic, their symbolism is what’s important. For me, the birds show that the canvas and the art itself are alive.

Ziba Foods: How did your work with Ziba Foods come about, and what spoke to you about our mission?

Nematullah: I was deeply inspired by Ziba’s mission to connect Afghanistan’s culture and produce to the world. I wanted to create a piece that merged the fruits of Afghanistan with our rich cultural designs, to show that our country is not only defined by hardship. Many artists and masters are at risk of being forgotten, and leaving their art and techniques behind. Ziba’s work is important because it shows a different side of Afghanistan, one defined by beauty and abundance.

Ziba Foods: The fruits and nuts in your painting are central to Afghanistan’s agricultural heritage and reflect Ziba’s offerings. Do any of them hold personal memories for you? Whether from eating, enjoying, or harvesting them yourself?

Nematullah:Yes, absolutely. One of my fondest memories is the longest night of the year, Yalda. My friends and I would stay up all night, eating dried fruits and nuts together. It’s a very happy memory for me. I used to love almonds the most, but now pistachios are my favorite.

Ziba Foods: When someone picks up a Ziba box with your artwork, some people may be encountering Afghan food and culture for the first time. What role do you hope your art plays in shaping that impression?

Nematullah: I want the viewer not only to observe the artwork, but also to reflect and explore the richness of Afghanistan’s culture and its fruits, their beauty and delights. Through this deeper understanding, I hope to inspire the viewer to engage with Ziba’s products, and perhaps even to visit Afghanistan and experience its culture and fruits firsthand.

Ziba Foods: Beyond this collaboration, are there themes or stories you’re especially excited to explore in future work?

Nematullah: At present, I am striving to develop a distinctive style of my own and to introduce myself to the world. With this style, I will be able to create diverse works over time, allowing audiences to both see and understand my thoughts. My first priority is to depict the challenges of my society, in the hope that my art might ease some of its burdens. In the next stage, I am to portray beauty and meaningful stories, each carrying their own impact.