Visual arts

As an art form that allows for the expression of religious devotion and learning, calligraphy is the most commonly-practised of visual arts in Afghanistan. Figurative art is largely explored through the medium of miniatures, although figurative paintings emerged in the mid-20th century, drawing on both Russian and European impressionism. The influence of Soviet constructivist style was felt in the graphic arts in Kabul during the 1970s and 1980s, and latterly Afghan artists have begun to explore abstract and conceptual ideas. The distinction between ‘traditional arts and crafts’ and ‘contemporary art’ are increasingly difficult to define, as calligraphy is inspired by contemporary art.