Exhibitions

Repression, Resilience and Renewal: Religious Freedom and the Art of Mohammad Yousof Asefi

July 21 – 2026 (day: 23)

ASU Washington Center, Room 211 — 1800 I Street NW, Washington, D.C.ASU Washington Center, Room 211 — 1800 I Street NW, Washington, D.C.

An art exhibition at ASU in Washington, D.C. In the 1990s, Dr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi risked his life and his family's security to preserve artworks targeted for destruction by the Taliban. When the regime first came to power in 1996 and forbade the depiction of humans and animals, he concealed living beings in paintings with temporary watercolor, later washing it away after the regime's collapse and helping preserve these cultural treasures for future generations. Through themes of artistic expression, cultural heritage, intellectual freedom and resilience, this exhibition explores the power of art to resist repression, preserve memory and inspire the human spirit. Free and open to the public, 10 am – 4:30 pm EDT. Registration required (before arrival or at the door) at specialevents.asu.edu/Asefi-DC.