Vira Arts opened amidst chaos in October 2020 to infuse fresh, vibrant style into Kabul’s art scene. Founder, Ahmad Fawad Sarbeland, graduated from Jawuzjan University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Like many, he pivoted to pursue a more desirable career, incorporating both of his passions. Ahmad Fawad became interested in string art as a unique way to use multiple mediums to create interesting 3D art. String art (or pin and thread art) is characterized by the arrangement of colored thread strung between pins to form geometric patterns or representational designs. Thread, wire, or string is wound around a grid of nails hammered into velvet-covered wooden boards. This idea to use thread to form angles with string has grown from an educational tool to an art form like no other. Building on the momentum, Fawad hired four artists to help produce and sell string art in the markets of Kabul. The brand offers a range of string art of natural sceneries, portrait images, geometric shapes, and Islamic names and verses. The mission of Vira is to strengthen, develop, and promote the string art form to support Afghanistan’s handicraft culture. Using string art as an educational tool and a fun way to produce art, Fawad hopes to create jobs for those in the community interested in the quirky genre. The artist’s goals for the future include establishing string art training centers to create jobs for enthusiasts. Fawad also hopes to open an art exhibition to display Vira’s string art products. By participating with Aseel, he is optimistic about sharing string art with a broader audience and hopes to enlist a cadre of string art professionals in Kabul and elsewhere.