I am Khalida, one of the girls from Afghanistan, a place where girls are often deprived of the right to education and freedom of expression. I was born into a middle-class family and started school at the age of six. From an early age, I was deeply passionate about art, and even small drawings would fill me with excitement and curiosity. To one day hold a paintbrush in my hand and express my art, creating what I imagine in my mind, has always been my dream. This passion began when I would gaze at flowers and nature, losing myself in thoughts about how I could recreate their beauty through art.I was always driven to create new things, which pushed me further toward making paintings and other artworks. I would create colorful pieces and paint on them with enthusiasm. Even now, I have kept three or four notebooks filled with my childhood drawings, and I remember how those drawings helped me forget my struggles and sorrows at times. In 2022, when the Taliban shut down all universities and schools, I discovered the deeper meaning of painting. I realized that when a person paints, they enter a world of peace and can express anything in their mind that cannot be put into words, bringing it to life through art. Gradually, I learned painting professionally, and now I am very happy that I can draw and portray faces that align with my imagination. I can bring changes to anything I desire and create new things on paper. I am determined to continue my education despite my uncertain future and the struggles faced by thousands of girls in my homeland who endure these challenges every day.

Moreover, painting helps me in many ways. For example, it conveys deep emotions and messages. Some paintings reflect profound feelings or messages that align with my personal experiences and emotions, prompting me to think deeply. Through painting, I aim to depict my thoughts and those of my peers. This is another reason why I am so passionate about art. The combination of colors is another aspect I deeply admire. The creative use of colors can stimulate a sense of aesthetics, leaving me amazed and fascinated. Every painting has its unique artistic technique, and when specific techniques, such as playing with light and shadow, textures, or precise lines, are applied, they captivate me entirely.

To me, painting is also a form of visual storytelling. Some paintings depict stories or scenes from life that allow me to connect with them, bringing a profound sense of peace and tranquility.

Finally, I want to say that every painting has its own unique artistic style. The distinctive perspectives that each artist brings to their work, along with the unique worldview expressed through their style, draw me in and inspire me deeply.