I usually do not feature «performance» or «conceptual» artists as I prefer artists that actually create something out of materials, like a painting out of paints or a sculpture out of either marble, bronze or other hard…or soft…material. However, I know and understand that since the brilliant start of Marina Abramović (Serbian,1946), performance art has become rather mainstream. And this artist, coming from a country like Afghanistan, grabbed my eye. So I want to share her with you and I would like to know what you think.
Lida Abdul was born in 1973. Her family fled Afghanistan when the Soviets invaded. She lived as a refugee in India and in Germany before relocating to the United States (Los Angeles). Her work is a sort of documentary, in an artistic, perhaps even poetic manner, the terrible things that have happened to her country. First the Russians, then the Taliban, then the US and their war on terrorism. All of these traumatic events guide her work and inspire Abdul to create very emotional pieces that make you reflect, think, meditate on what life is like after a major devastation.
Lida holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and one in philosophy from California State University, Fullerton and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, granted in 2000.
I am attracted to artists that dare to talk, express opinions and voice their complaints. I think that those things are a requirement for artists. Therefore my appreciation of Lida’s work, although I am not a fan of performance art…
Now it is your turn to tell me what you think…
Cheers…
JaZzArt en València 
Impresionante. Bien por hacerlo visible. Salud.
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Gracias Azurea, muchisimas gracias.
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Yes, just because we prefer painting shouldnt mean we should ignore other forms of expression – after all, it might help us in our own medium.
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Without a doubt Graham, of course…
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Art, in whatever form it takes, is fine by me if it makes me want to look at it and admire what it stands for. I don’t know enough about Lida Abdul to pass a comment about her work in general, but I’m assuming that these two pics represent her thoughts on what happened to her country, and the more people who understand Afghanistan, the better. “Shock and Awe” didn’t work did it? The British during Imperial times, the Russians during the communist period, and the latest disaster in trying to sort the country out from a Western point of view, has still left the country ruled by people who know the place much better than we do.
Lida Abdul can help change the world’s perception of Afghanistan in a much more subtle way, and hopefully one day, the country’s rulers may see that the Western World isn’t all bad, and that things can change for the better without any more bloodshed. Mahatma Gandhi springs to mind with his non-violent approach to taking India to independence. We all look at art through different eyes, but wouldn’t it be great if art could be used to make us all look at the world with a similar vision, even if with a different interpretation of what it means.
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Phenomenal points Malc, I have come to a better understanding through your thoughts and words. You are so right my friend. Afghanistan has always been a place to conquer or a place to liberate with little thought of the people from there… Art is a means to an end, action without words, a vision without movement. It is time it took its own approach.
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Thanks for understanding my point of view on your brilliant posts on art. You’ve taught me a lot as you know.
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As you are teaching me my friend. We are both on the long road to learning… All the best.
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Thank you my friend. Have a great weekend 🙂
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Thank you my friend, you too!
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💜 As a Writer I Observe, Analyse and Record EveryOne; so I’m wondering why she crosses her arms in front creating a barrier, instead of crossing her arms behind and being overtly open…also art is fun yet she looks so sadly serious EveryBody lacking happiness; having said that oft times art is sourced in sadness
nisi mortuus nec neque nolite vicit 🤭🤫🤐
http://www.ericberne.com
…💛💚💙…
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To me, if a piece of art make me think, question and feel, then it’s impactful art. Her work speaks, so it’s good.
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I’m glad you liked it Cassa, thank you!
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