The Embassy of Italy in Kabul, relocated to Doha, in collaboration with Tornabuoni Art, has organized a special event dedicated to Alighiero Boetti (1940-1994) and his connections with Afghanistan, in the context of the prestigious international art fair Art Basel Qatar (Doha, February 5-7, 2026).
Through the exhibited works, created during the artist permanence in Kabul between 1971 and 1979, it was possible to explore the evocative suggestions inspired by his travels to the country, which influenced the artist’s subsequent production, characterized by an intense relationship with Afghanistan, a source of original creative research and a conception of art as a meeting space between languages and views. His collaboration with Afghan artisans and the use of embroidery as an artistic practice are an emblematic example of the intercultural dialogue, based on respect, cooperation, and the enhancement of local knowledge.
The narrative of Alighiero Boetti extraordinary experience in Afghanistan also recalled the opening in Kabul in 1971 of the “One Hotel,” in the Shar-e Naw neighborhood, an additional piece of a human mosaic symbolizing a tribute to the principles of hospitality and care, fundamental in the Afghan culture.
This event reaffirms the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to promote the national artistic heritage and safeguard the memory of Italian cultural legacy in Afghanistan.
