About the Artist

Neelab Sultani Nawabi is a talented multidisciplinary artist and lawyer, born and raised in Afghanistan. She began her artistic journey at the Turquoise Mountain Institute in Kabul, where she earned her professional certification in Persian Miniature Art, Tazhib Illumination and Persian Calligraphy.

Graduating as the top student from her cohort, Neelab has created more than 500 pieces of art in a variety of forms, using the methods of modern realism, contemporary, Behzad miniature art, Persian calligraphy, geometric art, graphic design, and Tazhib (gilding design). She was also trained in pottery, carpet design and jewellery design. Notable pieces include a jewellery set crafted with cloves and lapis lazuli gemstones – which was showcased in a competition at the Turquoise Mountain Design Centre. Throughout her artistic journey, Neelab’s work has featured extensively in exhibitions, embassies, universities and in the Quran Project. She has served as a judge for an art competition centred on violence against women. One of her Tazhib pieces was nominated for display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and she was invited to attend the exhibition.

In her art, Neelab explores themes of violence, harassment and discrimination against women while preserving the art of Tazhib illumination. Tazhib is an intricate form of Islamic illumination which involves decorations and designs using gold, vibrant colours, and delicate patterns. Neelab also employs Behzad style geometric design which involves the use of specific warm and cold colours, geometric shapes, and lines. Much of her work has followed the Behzad miniature style developed by Kamal ud-Din Behzad. Warm and cold colours are used to create balance and symmetry and paintings are inspired by real life scenarios. Micro dots and lines are used to create shade with a high level of detail. Neelab also incorporates calligraphy and Islamic classic illumination into her work, using gold in precise and fine details, inspired by the sun’s light and shape. She uses gemstones to produce authentic natural colours.

With the regime change in Afghanistan, women – and especially women artists – were among those who suffered the most. The de facto government is strictly opposed to drawing faces or figures, or raising awareness of violence against women. All of Neelab’s art was saved from her studio after it was targeted by the Taliban in 2021. She was forced to flee the country in 2023, discreetly taking her art with her as she left.