{"nodes":[{"node":{"nid":"78966","title":"Repression, Resilience and Renewal: Religious freedom and the art of Mohammad Yousof Asefi  | Art Exhibition","campus":"Washington, D.C.","locations":"ASU Washington Center, Room 211","college_unit":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, Division of Humanities, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences","department":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict","field_cost_value":"Free","event_price_level":"Free","asu_events_price_desc":"Free","body_summary":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","full_body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\u0022uds-highlighted-heading\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022highlight-gold\u0022\u003EAn Art Exhibition at ASU in D.C.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cform action=\u0022https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/ereg\/newreg.php?eventid=759622\u0026amp;\u0022 autocomplete=\u0022off\u0022 enctype=\u0022multipart\/form-data\u0022 id=\u0022form\u0022 method=\u0022post\u0022\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022lead\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIn the 1990s, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/artist-in-residence\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E risked his life and his family\u2019s 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\u2019s collapse and helping preserve these cultural treasures for future generations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022lead\u0022\u003EAfter fleeing Afghanistan with his family in 2021, Dr. Asefi rebuilt his life in Arizona and continues his mission to express, create and share beauty. 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. At a time when cultural heritage and creative freedom remain under threat in many parts of the world, Dr. Asefi\u2019s work offers a powerful testament to the enduring role of art in strengthening communities and safeguarding collective memory.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThis event is made possible through a grant from the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neh.gov\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENational Endowment for the Humanities\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E and the generous philanthropy of private donors to the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECenter for the Study of Religion and Conflict\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Chr class=\u0022copy-divider\u0022\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAbout the Artist\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cimg class=\u0022img-fluid spacing-top-8 spacing-bottom-16 spacing-left-8 align-right\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/inline-images\/Asefi_1.png\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022be7acb4d-e86a-4f5f-988c-9babfe617d73\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 alt=\u0022Dr. Asefi\u0022 width=\u0022288\u0022 height=\u0022288\u0022 loading=\u0022lazy\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi\u003C\/strong\u003E is a physician, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2002\/01\/13\/world\/a-nation-challenged-culture-an-afghan-artist-erases-layers-of-taliban-repression.html\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecelebrated painter\u003C\/a\u003E and cultural preservationist whose work depicts natural landscapes, Afghanistan\u2019s political crises, Kabul\u2019s historic city center and major cultural events. He is internationally recognized for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/arts-culture\/art\/meet-dr-mohammad-yousef-asefi-the-man-who-saved-afghan-art-from-the-taliban-1.840534\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Epreserving Afghanistan\u2019s cultural heritage\u003C\/a\u003E during the Taliban\u2019s first rise to power in 1996, when he concealed human and animal figures in more than 120 paintings to protect them from destruction.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Asefi fled Afghanistan with his family and resettled in Arizona. He now serves as the inaugural artist-in-residence at ASU\u0027s Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict. His previous exhibitions at ASU include \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/content\/war-and-emotion\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022background:white;font-family:\u0026quot;Arial\u0026quot;,sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt;line-height:120%;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWar and Emotion\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E at Harry Wood Gallery and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/paint\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Brush Is Mightier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E: One Man\u2019s Mission to Rescue Art from the Taliban\u003C\/strong\u003E, a gallery exhibition and live painting event presented during ASU Humanities Week.\u003Cspan style=\u0022background:white;color:#191919;font-family:\u0026quot;Arial\u0026quot;,sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt;line-height:120%;\u0022\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Chr class=\u0022copy-divider\u0022\u003E\u003C\/form\u003E\u003Ch2 data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003ELogistics\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003EThis event is hosted by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EASU Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict\u003C\/a\u003E in partnership with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neh.gov\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENational Endowment for the Humanities\u003C\/a\u003E, and will take place in Room 211 at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/washingtondc.asu.edu\/barrett-and-oconnor-center\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmbassador Barbara Barrett \u0026amp; Justice O\u2019Connor Washington Center at Arizona State University\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003EWe appreciate you taking a moment to register. Registration is required for entrance to this event (before arrival or at the door). Your confirmation and reminder emails will provide information about finding the venue, including Metro and parking information.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4 data-key=\u0022166\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong data-slate-leaf=\u0022true\u0022\u003ERegistration details:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFree and open to all.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/Asefi-DC\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Registration page\u0022\u003ERegister\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to guarantee your seat.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFor classes or other groups, please\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/contact\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Econtact us\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;directly with your request.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E","phone":"480-965-8664","contactname":"Dawn Beeson","email":"csrc@asu.edu","delta":"0","alias":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/Asefi-DC?id=0","ticketing_rsvp_txt":"Register today","ticketing_rsvp_txt2":"","ticketing_rsvp_url":"https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/Asefi-DC","ticketing_rsvp_url2":"","website":"https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/","image_url":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/2026-06\/2026-07-21-23_Asefi-DC-Gallery-ASUEventsBanner.png","image_alt":"","image_title":"","start_date":"Jul 21 2026 - 7:00am","end_date":"Jul 21 2026 - 1:30pm","time_description":"","very_start_date":"2026-07-21T07:00:00Z","very_end_date":"2026-07-21T13:30:00Z","event_types":"Exhibition","interests":"Culture|Global|Interdisciplinary|Religion|Arts and Creative Expression|Inclusion","audiences":"For the community|For international students|For alumni|For current ASU students|For donors","event_units":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict|Division of Humanities|The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences","event_topics":"Arts and entertainment|Inclusion|Free|Open to the public|Family friendly","download":"\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/2026-06\/RepressionResilienceRenewalPublicEventsOneSheetJuly2026.pdf","event_map_url":"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/qjTiWGLJMcScDZBw5","event_map_title":"","event_video":"","location_term":"Washington, D.C.","venue_address":"1800 I Street Northwest","venue_city":"Washington","venue_state":"D.C.","venue_zip":"20006","alias-indexed":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/Asefi-DC?id=0","sport_tag":"","game_type":"","subtitle":"Religious freedom and the art of Mohammad Yousof Asefi  | Art Exhibition","season":"","athletic_conference":"","tv_network":"","radio_station":"","wear_color":"","game_theme":"","history":"","history_text":"","related_stories":"","related_stories_text":"","game_notes":"","game_notes_text":"","recap_link":"","recap_link_text":"","live_stats":"","live_stats_text":"","game_time_tba":"No","sda_all_day":"No","opponent_logo":"","related_videos":"","related_videos_text":"","recurring":"no"}},{"node":{"nid":"78966","title":"Repression, Resilience and Renewal: Religious freedom and the art of Mohammad Yousof Asefi  | Art Exhibition","campus":"Washington, D.C.","locations":"ASU Washington Center, Room 211","college_unit":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, Division of Humanities, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences","department":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict","field_cost_value":"Free","event_price_level":"Free","asu_events_price_desc":"Free","body_summary":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","full_body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\u0022uds-highlighted-heading\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022highlight-gold\u0022\u003EAn Art Exhibition at ASU in D.C.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cform action=\u0022https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/ereg\/newreg.php?eventid=759622\u0026amp;\u0022 autocomplete=\u0022off\u0022 enctype=\u0022multipart\/form-data\u0022 id=\u0022form\u0022 method=\u0022post\u0022\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022lead\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIn the 1990s, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/artist-in-residence\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E risked his life and his family\u2019s 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\u2019s collapse and helping preserve these cultural treasures for future generations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022lead\u0022\u003EAfter fleeing Afghanistan with his family in 2021, Dr. Asefi rebuilt his life in Arizona and continues his mission to express, create and share beauty. 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. At a time when cultural heritage and creative freedom remain under threat in many parts of the world, Dr. Asefi\u2019s work offers a powerful testament to the enduring role of art in strengthening communities and safeguarding collective memory.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThis event is made possible through a grant from the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neh.gov\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENational Endowment for the Humanities\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E and the generous philanthropy of private donors to the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECenter for the Study of Religion and Conflict\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Chr class=\u0022copy-divider\u0022\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAbout the Artist\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cimg class=\u0022img-fluid spacing-top-8 spacing-bottom-16 spacing-left-8 align-right\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/inline-images\/Asefi_1.png\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022be7acb4d-e86a-4f5f-988c-9babfe617d73\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 alt=\u0022Dr. Asefi\u0022 width=\u0022288\u0022 height=\u0022288\u0022 loading=\u0022lazy\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi\u003C\/strong\u003E is a physician, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2002\/01\/13\/world\/a-nation-challenged-culture-an-afghan-artist-erases-layers-of-taliban-repression.html\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecelebrated painter\u003C\/a\u003E and cultural preservationist whose work depicts natural landscapes, Afghanistan\u2019s political crises, Kabul\u2019s historic city center and major cultural events. He is internationally recognized for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/arts-culture\/art\/meet-dr-mohammad-yousef-asefi-the-man-who-saved-afghan-art-from-the-taliban-1.840534\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Epreserving Afghanistan\u2019s cultural heritage\u003C\/a\u003E during the Taliban\u2019s first rise to power in 1996, when he concealed human and animal figures in more than 120 paintings to protect them from destruction.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Asefi fled Afghanistan with his family and resettled in Arizona. He now serves as the inaugural artist-in-residence at ASU\u0027s Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict. His previous exhibitions at ASU include \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/content\/war-and-emotion\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022background:white;font-family:\u0026quot;Arial\u0026quot;,sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt;line-height:120%;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWar and Emotion\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E at Harry Wood Gallery and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/paint\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Brush Is Mightier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E: One Man\u2019s Mission to Rescue Art from the Taliban\u003C\/strong\u003E, a gallery exhibition and live painting event presented during ASU Humanities Week.\u003Cspan style=\u0022background:white;color:#191919;font-family:\u0026quot;Arial\u0026quot;,sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt;line-height:120%;\u0022\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Chr class=\u0022copy-divider\u0022\u003E\u003C\/form\u003E\u003Ch2 data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003ELogistics\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003EThis event is hosted by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EASU Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict\u003C\/a\u003E in partnership with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neh.gov\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENational Endowment for the Humanities\u003C\/a\u003E, and will take place in Room 211 at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/washingtondc.asu.edu\/barrett-and-oconnor-center\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmbassador Barbara Barrett \u0026amp; Justice O\u2019Connor Washington Center at Arizona State University\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003EWe appreciate you taking a moment to register. Registration is required for entrance to this event (before arrival or at the door). Your confirmation and reminder emails will provide information about finding the venue, including Metro and parking information.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4 data-key=\u0022166\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong data-slate-leaf=\u0022true\u0022\u003ERegistration details:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFree and open to all.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/Asefi-DC\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Registration page\u0022\u003ERegister\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to guarantee your seat.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFor classes or other groups, please\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/contact\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Econtact us\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;directly with your request.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E","phone":"480-965-8664","contactname":"Dawn Beeson","email":"csrc@asu.edu","delta":"1","alias":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/Asefi-DC?id=1","ticketing_rsvp_txt":"Register today","ticketing_rsvp_txt2":"","ticketing_rsvp_url":"https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/Asefi-DC","ticketing_rsvp_url2":"","website":"https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/","image_url":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/2026-06\/2026-07-21-23_Asefi-DC-Gallery-ASUEventsBanner.png","image_alt":"","image_title":"","start_date":"Jul 22 2026 - 7:00am","end_date":"Jul 22 2026 - 1:30pm","time_description":"","very_start_date":"2026-07-22T07:00:00Z","very_end_date":"2026-07-22T13:30:00Z","event_types":"Exhibition","interests":"Culture|Global|Interdisciplinary|Religion|Arts and Creative Expression|Inclusion","audiences":"For the community|For international students|For alumni|For current ASU students|For donors","event_units":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict|Division of Humanities|The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences","event_topics":"Arts and entertainment|Inclusion|Free|Open to the public|Family friendly","download":"\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/2026-06\/RepressionResilienceRenewalPublicEventsOneSheetJuly2026.pdf","event_map_url":"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/qjTiWGLJMcScDZBw5","event_map_title":"","event_video":"","location_term":"Washington, D.C.","venue_address":"1800 I Street Northwest","venue_city":"Washington","venue_state":"D.C.","venue_zip":"20006","alias-indexed":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/Asefi-DC?id=1","sport_tag":"","game_type":"","subtitle":"Religious freedom and the art of Mohammad Yousof Asefi  | Art Exhibition","season":"","athletic_conference":"","tv_network":"","radio_station":"","wear_color":"","game_theme":"","history":"","history_text":"","related_stories":"","related_stories_text":"","game_notes":"","game_notes_text":"","recap_link":"","recap_link_text":"","live_stats":"","live_stats_text":"","game_time_tba":"No","sda_all_day":"No","opponent_logo":"","related_videos":"","related_videos_text":"","recurring":"no"}},{"node":{"nid":"78966","title":"Repression, Resilience and Renewal: Religious freedom and the art of Mohammad Yousof Asefi  | Art Exhibition","campus":"Washington, D.C.","locations":"ASU Washington Center, Room 211","college_unit":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, Division of Humanities, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences","department":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict","field_cost_value":"Free","event_price_level":"Free","asu_events_price_desc":"Free","body_summary":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","full_body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\u0022uds-highlighted-heading\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022highlight-gold\u0022\u003EAn Art Exhibition at ASU in D.C.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cform action=\u0022https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/ereg\/newreg.php?eventid=759622\u0026amp;\u0022 autocomplete=\u0022off\u0022 enctype=\u0022multipart\/form-data\u0022 id=\u0022form\u0022 method=\u0022post\u0022\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022lead\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIn the 1990s, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/artist-in-residence\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E risked his life and his family\u2019s 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\u2019s collapse and helping preserve these cultural treasures for future generations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022lead\u0022\u003EAfter fleeing Afghanistan with his family in 2021, Dr. Asefi rebuilt his life in Arizona and continues his mission to express, create and share beauty. 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. At a time when cultural heritage and creative freedom remain under threat in many parts of the world, Dr. Asefi\u2019s work offers a powerful testament to the enduring role of art in strengthening communities and safeguarding collective memory.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThis event is made possible through a grant from the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neh.gov\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENational Endowment for the Humanities\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E and the generous philanthropy of private donors to the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECenter for the Study of Religion and Conflict\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Chr class=\u0022copy-divider\u0022\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAbout the Artist\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cimg class=\u0022img-fluid spacing-top-8 spacing-bottom-16 spacing-left-8 align-right\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/inline-images\/Asefi_1.png\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022be7acb4d-e86a-4f5f-988c-9babfe617d73\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 alt=\u0022Dr. Asefi\u0022 width=\u0022288\u0022 height=\u0022288\u0022 loading=\u0022lazy\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi\u003C\/strong\u003E is a physician, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2002\/01\/13\/world\/a-nation-challenged-culture-an-afghan-artist-erases-layers-of-taliban-repression.html\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecelebrated painter\u003C\/a\u003E and cultural preservationist whose work depicts natural landscapes, Afghanistan\u2019s political crises, Kabul\u2019s historic city center and major cultural events. He is internationally recognized for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/arts-culture\/art\/meet-dr-mohammad-yousef-asefi-the-man-who-saved-afghan-art-from-the-taliban-1.840534\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Epreserving Afghanistan\u2019s cultural heritage\u003C\/a\u003E during the Taliban\u2019s first rise to power in 1996, when he concealed human and animal figures in more than 120 paintings to protect them from destruction.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Asefi fled Afghanistan with his family and resettled in Arizona. He now serves as the inaugural artist-in-residence at ASU\u0027s Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict. His previous exhibitions at ASU include \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/content\/war-and-emotion\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022background:white;font-family:\u0026quot;Arial\u0026quot;,sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt;line-height:120%;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWar and Emotion\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E at Harry Wood Gallery and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/paint\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Brush Is Mightier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E: One Man\u2019s Mission to Rescue Art from the Taliban\u003C\/strong\u003E, a gallery exhibition and live painting event presented during ASU Humanities Week.\u003Cspan style=\u0022background:white;color:#191919;font-family:\u0026quot;Arial\u0026quot;,sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt;line-height:120%;\u0022\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Chr class=\u0022copy-divider\u0022\u003E\u003C\/form\u003E\u003Ch2 data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003ELogistics\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003EThis event is hosted by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EASU Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict\u003C\/a\u003E in partnership with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neh.gov\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENational Endowment for the Humanities\u003C\/a\u003E, and will take place in Room 211 at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/washingtondc.asu.edu\/barrett-and-oconnor-center\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmbassador Barbara Barrett \u0026amp; Justice O\u2019Connor Washington Center at Arizona State University\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003EWe appreciate you taking a moment to register. Registration is required for entrance to this event (before arrival or at the door). Your confirmation and reminder emails will provide information about finding the venue, including Metro and parking information.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4 data-key=\u0022166\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong data-slate-leaf=\u0022true\u0022\u003ERegistration details:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFree and open to all.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/Asefi-DC\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Registration page\u0022\u003ERegister\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to guarantee your seat.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFor classes or other groups, please\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/contact\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Econtact us\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;directly with your request.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E","phone":"480-965-8664","contactname":"Dawn Beeson","email":"csrc@asu.edu","delta":"2","alias":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/Asefi-DC?id=2","ticketing_rsvp_txt":"Register today","ticketing_rsvp_txt2":"","ticketing_rsvp_url":"https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/Asefi-DC","ticketing_rsvp_url2":"","website":"https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/","image_url":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/2026-06\/2026-07-21-23_Asefi-DC-Gallery-ASUEventsBanner.png","image_alt":"","image_title":"","start_date":"Jul 23 2026 - 7:00am","end_date":"Jul 23 2026 - 1:30pm","time_description":"","very_start_date":"2026-07-23T07:00:00Z","very_end_date":"2026-07-23T13:30:00Z","event_types":"Exhibition","interests":"Culture|Global|Interdisciplinary|Religion|Arts and Creative Expression|Inclusion","audiences":"For the community|For international students|For alumni|For current ASU students|For donors","event_units":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict|Division of Humanities|The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences","event_topics":"Arts and entertainment|Inclusion|Free|Open to the public|Family friendly","download":"\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/2026-06\/RepressionResilienceRenewalPublicEventsOneSheetJuly2026.pdf","event_map_url":"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/qjTiWGLJMcScDZBw5","event_map_title":"","event_video":"","location_term":"Washington, D.C.","venue_address":"1800 I Street Northwest","venue_city":"Washington","venue_state":"D.C.","venue_zip":"20006","alias-indexed":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/Asefi-DC?id=2","sport_tag":"","game_type":"","subtitle":"Religious freedom and the art of Mohammad Yousof Asefi  | Art Exhibition","season":"","athletic_conference":"","tv_network":"","radio_station":"","wear_color":"","game_theme":"","history":"","history_text":"","related_stories":"","related_stories_text":"","game_notes":"","game_notes_text":"","recap_link":"","recap_link_text":"","live_stats":"","live_stats_text":"","game_time_tba":"No","sda_all_day":"No","opponent_logo":"","related_videos":"","related_videos_text":"","recurring":"no"}},{"node":{"nid":"78971","title":"The Courage to Create: Art, Humanity and Religious Freedom | Panel Discussion","campus":"Washington, D.C.","locations":"ASU Washington Center, Event Pavilion \u2013 Eighth Floor","college_unit":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, Division of Humanities, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences","department":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict","field_cost_value":"Free","event_price_level":"Free","asu_events_price_desc":"Free","body_summary":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","full_body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\u0022uds-highlighted-heading\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022highlight-gold\u0022\u003EA Panel Discussion at ASU in D.C.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cform action=\u0022https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/ereg\/newreg.php?eventid=759622\u0026amp;\u0022 autocomplete=\u0022off\u0022 enctype=\u0022multipart\/form-data\u0022 id=\u0022form\u0022 method=\u0022post\u0022\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022lead\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow does artistic expression endure when freedom is under threat?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022lead\u0022\u003EThis expert panel will explore how art serves as a tool of resistance and resilience, and ways cultural, political and religious forces shape artistic expression. Inspired by the life and work of Dr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi, panelists will discuss the relationship between creativity, religious freedom and cultural heritage, as well as the vital role artists play in preserving memory, strengthening communities and sustaining the human spirit.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThis event is made possible through a grant from the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neh.gov\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENational Endowment for the Humanities\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E and the generous philanthropy of private donors to the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict. Held in association with the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/Asefi-DC\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERepression, Resilience and Renewal: Religious freedom and the art of Dr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E and the art of Dr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi exhibit.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Chr class=\u0022copy-divider\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EPanelists will include:\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cimg class=\u0022img-fluid none\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/inline-images\/DrAsefiHeadshotCircle_0.png\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022755287a0-ca36-4eee-a7ab-16300f09359b\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 alt=\u0022Headshot of Dr. Asefi\u0022 width=\u0022197\u0022 height=\u0022196\u0022 loading=\u0022lazy\u0022\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/artist-in-residence\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDr. Mohammad Yousof Asefi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong style=\u0022box-sizing:border-box;font-weight:700 !important;\u0022\u003EArtist-in-Residence\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ECenter for the Study of Religion and Conflict\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EArizona State University\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cimg class=\u0022img-fluid none\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/inline-images\/KnoxHeadshotCircle_0.png\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022be1e3e7a-2229-46f5-ae2b-afdb5d2c4350\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 alt=\u0022Headshot of Knox Thames\u0022 width=\u0022197\u0022 height=\u0022197\u0022 loading=\u0022lazy\u0022\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.knoxthames.com\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Jason Olson Bio\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKnox Thames\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHuman rights lawyer and religious freedom advocate\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Chr class=\u0022copy-divider\u0022\u003E\u003C\/form\u003E\u003Ch2 data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003ELogistics\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003EThis event is hosted by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EASU Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict\u003C\/a\u003E in partnership with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neh.gov\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENational Endowment for the Humanities\u003C\/a\u003E, and will take place in the Event Pavilion, located on the eighth floor of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/washingtondc.asu.edu\/barrett-and-oconnor-center\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmbassador Barbara Barrett \u0026amp; Justice O\u2019Connor Washington Center at Arizona State University\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp data-key=\u0022154\u0022\u003EWe appreciate you taking a moment to register. Registration is required for entrance to this event (before arrival or at the door). Your confirmation and reminder emails will provide information about finding the venue, including Metro and parking information.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4 data-key=\u0022166\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong data-slate-leaf=\u0022true\u0022\u003ERegistration details:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFree and open to all.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/courage\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Registration page\u0022\u003ERegister\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to guarantee your seat.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFor classes or other groups, please\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/contact\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Econtact us\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;directly with your request.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E","phone":"480-965-8664","contactname":"Dawn Beeson","email":"csrc@asu.edu","delta":"0","alias":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/courage?id=0","ticketing_rsvp_txt":"Register today","ticketing_rsvp_txt2":"","ticketing_rsvp_url":"https:\/\/specialevents.asu.edu\/courage","ticketing_rsvp_url2":"","website":"https:\/\/csrc.asu.edu\/","image_url":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/2026-06\/2026-07-23_Asefi-DC-Panel-ASUEventsBanner.png","image_alt":"","image_title":"","start_date":"Jul 23 2026 - 12:00pm","end_date":"Jul 23 2026 - 1:30pm","time_description":"","very_start_date":"2026-07-23T12:00:00Z","very_end_date":"2026-07-23T13:30:00Z","event_types":"Lecture, Panel, Reception","interests":"Culture|Global|Interdisciplinary|Religion|Arts and Creative Expression|Inclusion","audiences":"For the community|For international students|For alumni|For current ASU students|For donors","event_units":"Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict|Division of Humanities|The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences","event_topics":"Arts and entertainment|Inclusion|Free|Open to the public|Family friendly","download":"\/sites\/g\/files\/litvpz3506\/files\/2026-06\/RepressionResilienceRenewalPublicEventsOneSheetJul26.pdf","event_map_url":"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/qjTiWGLJMcScDZBw5","event_map_title":"","event_video":"","location_term":"Washington, D.C.","venue_address":"1800 I Street Northwest","venue_city":"Washington","venue_state":"D.C.","venue_zip":"20006","alias-indexed":"https:\/\/asuevents.asu.edu\/event\/courage?id=0","sport_tag":"","game_type":"","subtitle":"Art, Humanity and Religious Freedom | Panel Discussion","season":"","athletic_conference":"","tv_network":"","radio_station":"","wear_color":"","game_theme":"","history":"","history_text":"","related_stories":"","related_stories_text":"","game_notes":"","game_notes_text":"","recap_link":"","recap_link_text":"","live_stats":"","live_stats_text":"","game_time_tba":"No","sda_all_day":"No","opponent_logo":"","related_videos":"","related_videos_text":"","recurring":"no"}}]}