Rebuilding Afghanistan

A powerful collection of images of everyday life in Afghanistan will be displayed for the first time in the UAE in a new exhibition this fall. ‘Rebuilding Afghanistan: a global responsibility’ features images by Dutch photographer Hans Stakelbeek. The exhibition runs from 4 October -19 October 2009 at Ghaf Art Gallery in Abu Dhabi.
               
Hans Stakelbeek was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to document the reconstruction of Afghanistan during ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability to the country. Stakelbeek made four trips, making photo’s in Kabul and Uruzgan, as well as other remote areas.  As the project developed, Stakelbeek became interested in capturing the stories of the people he came to know, as well as the reconstruction efforts undertaken.

‘Rebuilding Afghanistan: a global responsibility’ presents a set of images that pays tribute to the determination of the Afghan people to survive and live as normally as possible through the upheaval, building homes, going to school and working and playing in testing and frightening times. Stakelbeek’s own written commentary reveals the stories within each photograph.

The often surprising collection gives a rare view of daily life in Afghanistan. The exhibition is an up-to-date presentation of current life and an opportunity to see how the country is changing, how the reconstruction is progressing and to witness the admirable perseverance of ordinary people in an extraordinary situation.

Rebuilding Afghanistan: a global responsibility
Photography Exhibition by Hans Stakelbeek
4th to 19th Oct 2009 at Ghaf Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi
Organized by the Embassy of The Kingdom of the Netherlands

Visitors information
Exhibition Dates: 4 October-19 October 2009. 
Opening Times: 9am – 1pm & 5-9pm , Sat-Thur. Fri closed
Free guided tour with Hans Stakelbeek: – Monday 5 October 2009

More info: www.ghafgallery.com