Rada Akbar (Afghanistan, 1988) is a conceptual artist, photographer, and activist whose practice unfolds through an interdisciplinary language encompassing painting, photography, textile, performance, and installation. Deeply rooted in the Afghan cultural context, her work powerfully addresses themes of women’s rights and identity, interweaving contemporary practices with traditional artisanal materials and techniques.

Between 2018 and 2021, she conceived and curated Abarzanan (Superwomen), a series of exhibitions presented on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Through sculptural garments, the project pays tribute to prominent Afghan women across various fields, from culture to politics, contributing to a redefinition of women’s roles within a society shaped by patriarchal structures.

In 2021, her artistic and civic commitment was recognized with the Prince Claus Seed Award. In the same year, following the return to power of the Taliban, she was evacuated by the French government and found refuge in Paris, where she currently lives and works. Since then, her practice has continued to denounce the condition of women in Afghanistan, while simultaneously highlighting their resilience and strength through a highly symbolic visual language.

Her work has been presented in major international exhibition contexts, including the Palais de Tokyo and the Institut des Cultures d’Islam in Paris, the Louvre-Lens, the Château de Saumur, the Museum of Rome, the Gallerie delle Prigioni in Treviso, and numerous other institutions across Europe. She has also participated in international fairs and biennials, including Art Photo Barcelona and the Daegu Photo Biennale.

Her works are held in permanent collections, including the Museu de l’Art Prohibit in Barcelona. Over the course of her career, she has received numerous awards and has taken part in international residency and fellowship programs, consolidating a significant presence within the contemporary art landscape.

In 2021, she was included in the BBC list of the 100 most influential women in the world, confirming the relevance of her work not only within the artistic field, but also within the broader international cultural and social context.