Fatimah Hossaini

Fatimah Hossaini is an Afghan-Tehran born artist, award-winning photographer, curator, and founder of the Mastooraat Organisation. Recognised as one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious Hypatia International Award, she was honoured as a rising talent and youth ambassador by the Women’s Forum in France in 2022.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Photography from the University of Tehran and a previous degree in Industrial Engineering, Fatimah is currently a fellow at The New School’s Class of 2024-2025 in New York and an art resident at the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts. She previously completed a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in France and taught at Kabul University from 2018 to 2019.

A tireless advocate for women’s and refugee rights, her work powerfully explores themes of identity and femininity, particularly within the Afghan experience. Renowned for her expertise in staged photography, Fatimah’s vibrant colour palette and passionate storytelling are hallmarks of her acclaimed body of work.

An Elegy For A Miracle

I am the daughter of the sun, I am a women from the mountains, I have the smell of Mashreqi orange and the color of Kandahar pomegranate.

Not homeless, not a wounded but a woman from buddhas of Bamiyan with a Khamak dress and a Topak hat.

I have the soul of Gawharshad and the words of Rabia Balkhi. I am carrying the power of Panjshir mountains with a Kuchi dress full of mirrors and the clarity of Badakhshan rivers.

I am a woman from Bamyan to Badakhshan, from Kabul to Herat and from Kandahar to Qondoz. I am as blue as blue mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif and I know the smell and red colors of roses in Nangarhar.

I came from the land of Rumi with Bactria history. I am a woman who rebirth to appeal to the nature.
I am a woman from Afghanistan with untold stories, from Ariana. my hair has the smell of Lapis and my lips, the taste of Herat’s grapes.

Shirin Zahra

I am like spring.

My hair full of blossoms,

My heart brightened with sunshine,

My eyes clear,

My feet full of energy and my hands filled with goodwill,

I am an Afghan girl.

My voices is not the in the cage, I am the one who shouts in front of those who stole my home

“ BREAD, WORK, FREEDOM “

I am no woman – refugee – migrant – in – exile

Keep your labels, please.

I am waiting for a miracle

Till the scent of the dried leaves

Sings the melody of rain

To the ears of the wind

I am waiting for a miracle

The green miracle of spring

“(Waiting for a Miracle) For Women in Afghanistan” by Afghan poet Fevziye Rahgozar Barlas.

In August 2021, just five days after the fall of Kabul, Fatimah Hossaini was compelled to leave Afghanistan, a journey marked by profound loss. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of her departure was leaving behind her photo project, which sought to illuminate the struggles and aspirations of Afghan women. In the wake of the Taliban’s return to power, the future for Afghan women became increasingly bleak, transforming dreams of freedom into a distant memory.

Fatimah’s commitment to capturing the essence of Afghan women’s experiences did not end with her exile. Instead, she sought to find parallel narratives among women artists living in displacement. In her latest photo collection, An Elegy For A Miracle, she presents poignant portraits of four women artists in exile, showcasing their beauty, femininity, hope, and resilience.

Though created far from her homeland, these portraits resonate deeply, revealing the indomitable spirit of women who continue to create and inspire despite the challenges they face. For Fatimah, this collection remains unfinished in her heart – a testament to her unwavering connection to her homeland and the stories of its women.

Pearl in the Oyster

Fatimah Hossaini’s evolving photo collection, Pearl in the Oyster, captures the multifaceted identities of Afghan women, challenging entrenched stereotypes and celebrating their diverse beauty. Through her lens, she showcases women adorned in traditional attire across various settings, presenting a vibrant tapestry of Afghan culture that transcends the conventional portrayal of women in burqas.

This ongoing project aims to reveal the calm, shy, and coquetry of Afghan women, framing their unique beauty and femininity against a backdrop of rich cultural traditions. Each photograph is a testament to the strength and resilience that often goes unseen, highlighting the complex narratives of women who are too often viewed merely as victims.

By employing a vivid colour palette and focusing on the power of their gazes, Fatimah’s work endeavours to redefine the narrative surrounding Afghan women. In Pearl in the Oyster, she illuminates not just their beauty but also their undeniable strength, inviting viewers to witness the vibrant realities of Afghan culture and the indomitable spirit of its women.

Unveiling the Hands of Heritage:

An Artistic Exploration of Women along the Silk Road and MENA

“In an era characterised by rapid change, the preservation of cultural heritage stands as a testament to a nation’s identity and history. “Unveiling the Hands of Heritage: An Artistic Exploration of Women along the Silk Road and MENA” is a visionary project poised to illuminate a profound facet of cultural preservation—the indomitable artistry and creative spirit of women. Spanning the Silk Road and MENA regions, this initiative embarks on an odyssey to unearth the remarkable lives of women, unfurling their deep-rooted connections to their heritage and underscoring their pivotal roles in shaping and safeguarding their nation’s cultural legacy. Through a harmonious fusion of documentary and artistic photography, this endeavour unveils the narratives of these exceptional women, chronicling their creative contributions and unyielding resilience amidst adversity

“”Unveiling the Hands of Heritage” is a tribute to the often-unheralded contributions of women in the preservation of cultural heritage. From the intricacies of textile craftsmanship in Central Asia to the vivid tapestry of pottery in North Africa, women have long been the custodians of their nation’s tangible and intangible heritage. Through artistic and staged compositions, we endeavour to encapsulate the essence of their lives, their artistry, and their unwavering commitment to preserving cultural identities, even in the face of challenges.”

“”Unveiling the Hands of Heritage: An Artistic Exploration of Women along the Silk Road and MENA” embarks on a creative odyssey that transcends the boundaries of traditional photography. It is an artistic celebration of women who have played pivotal roles in shaping and preserving the cultural heritage of their nations. Through this endeavour, we aim to celebrate their artistry, empower them to share their stories with a global audience, and ensure that their narratives resonate deeply. In the realm of culture, women emerge as the ethereal custodians, bestowing upon their homeland a unique identity. These women, often shrouded in adversity and narratives that tread in shadows, are the luminous wellspring of inspiration. They craft exquisite tapestries, infuse life into textile masterpieces, and gracefully manifest their femininity in artistry. With an unwavering spirit, they unfurl the profound saga of their heritage, weaving their ancestral narratives into the very fabric of their existence. Our project invites viewers to explore the profound connection between women and their nation’s heritage through the lens of artistic photography and the unique perspective of a woman photographer.”