Before the Dawn 2014 - Exhibition Catalogue
Published on October 16, 2014
Opening at a time of national remembrance and reflection as British forces finish the final phase of military drawdown, Before the Dawn is a response to the unfolding narrative that Arabella has witnessed during several journeys to Afghanistan over the last five years, both as an embedded war artist and as an independent traveller. The exhibition is sponsored by a young Afghan entrepreneur, Mirwais Alizai, founder, CEO and President of international ICT company GTR, who was born in Helmand province and has a deep personal commitment to the prosperity and representation of his country and culture. “This symbolic exhibition of paintings address the effects of conflict for everyday people and brave soldiers alike as our young country seeks to define its future. Arabella’s work takes us on a journey through the country of my birth and brings to life the real struggle of Afghan families against the backdrop of conflict. She has captured the soul of my country in a way I have not encountered before and depicts the real Afghanistan - a place where the darker effects of war are balanced by optimism and ambition.” - Mirwais Alizai, July 2014 Arabella is also working in partnership with Afghanaid and Walking With The Wounded to host a series of fundraising events at the exhibition. These evenings will feature prominent guest speakers from the worlds of journalism and the military who will share their knowledge and experience of Afghanistan and the conflict.