Rangin Art Gallery

Zohra Ali Haidari, Owner of Rangin Art Gallery, says her interest in the arts has been deeply rooted since childhood. Despite initially studying midwifery, Haidari’s artistic talent was reignited by the late Nader Ali Yousofi, one of her professors at Kabul University. Professor Yousofi encouraged Haidari to open an art studio early on in her career. She keeps the symbolic name, Rangin, to honor the memory and teachings of the professor who originally named the studio. Haidari has worked professionally as an artist for over a decade and inspires the next generation by passing on techniques just as her beloved professor taught her.

Rangin Art Gallery has grown steadily since its opening. Haidari stays busy mentoring 30 students bringing skill and enthusiasm to every aspect of practicing art. The focus is mainly on illustrations, but she also draws and paints portraits using mediums such as watercolor, charcoal, graphite, and acrylic paints. Most students use oil paints, but she prefers to use acrylic paints. Haidari’s style stands out among other artists in Afghanistan because of her unique point of view and the subjects she chooses. Haidari thinks most artwork produced in Afghanistan depicts sadness, devastation, and hopelessness. In her opinion, art should also bring joy, and liveliness can be felt in her paintings.

Haidari’s business operates as a sole proprietorship. She relies on students who produce new artwork for the studio. Students benefit from learning new skills while generating revenue for the gallery. Once a piece is sold, profits are split fairly between artists and the studio. Haidari hopes to expand the gallery by finding new clients to increase sales. She hopes to have a larger facility to allow for many students and teachers who wish to learn a variety of art techniques. Ultimately, she wishes to contribute art that elevates the culture with more joyful subjects to change how Afghanistan is represented in the art world.