Behzad Art Gallery, located in front of the Herat Citadel (Qala-e Ikhtiyaruddin), is situated within a historic ancient pool and has now become a venue for exhibitions and artistic displays. Master Mohammad Ibrahim Habibi has dedicated over 40 years to art, creating as many works as the hairs on his head. His artworks include both personal creations and commissioned pieces, with approximately 200 to 300 artworks currently displayed in the gallery.
Previously, art classes at the gallery were conducted three days a week for girls and three days for boys, covering various branches such as painting and calligraphy. Over the years, numerous students have been trained. Currently, the gallery is open six days a week, exclusively for boys, as girls are not permitted due to governmental restrictions. Although earlier resources were limited, collaboration with the TIKA Cultural Office in Herat has provided some support. However, artists still face significant challenges, including limited access to quality materials and high costs, which deter many from pursuing art.
Milad Naeemi, one of the gallery’s students, began learning calligraphy from scratch, a course that lasted eight months. After a hiatus, he resumed seven months ago and is now actively involved in calligraphy and painting, noting significant improvement in his skills.
Another student, Mohammad Dawood Ebrahimi, has been studying at the gallery for five to six years and currently works in oil painting. He notes that visitor interest has declined due to existing restrictions, though the gallery still attracts many tourists.
Despite these activities, the scarcity and high price of art materials remain major challenges, highlighting the need for further support for artists.
Wali Shah Bahreh, a cultural affairs expert, notes: “The historic Malek Pool, over 700 years old, was restored by the Aga Khan Foundation, and Behzad Art Gallery was established there. A permanent exhibition of Master Mohammad Ibrahim Habibi’s works has been created. When I was responsible for the Information and Culture Department, 162 historic pools were identified, and the plan was to convert each old pool into an art center.
Hamidullah Ghiyasi, Head of Culture and Arts at Herat’s Information and Culture Directorate, expresses hope that more facilities will be made available for artists in the future, and that his office is actively working toward this goal.
Master Habibi introduces one of his works depicting a bowl filled with various fruits, including watermelon, grapes, and pears. He explains that the piece is made from velvet fabric, crafted with great skill and precision.
He also presents several works by female artists, demonstrating their meticulous attention to detail. In these pieces, female artists have recreated Herat’s historical landmarks, including the Grand Mosque, the Salt Cellar, and the Behzad Art Gallery pool using gold ink. Habibi emphasizes that this artistic style is innovative and unique, possibly without parallel in Afghanistan or even globally. The use of gold ink pens combines traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity, highlighting a distinctive and elegant artistic approach.
1 comment
Herat is an ancient city.