Art is a full expression of who we were and are since the beginning of time. The legacy of artists is often revealed by archaeologists unraveling immense earth pages and attempting to tell the story bit by bit, clue by clue of our giant history earth book. The fascinating story of our humanity.

The secrets and enigmas resolved by scientifc research shed an invaluable light on the making and travels of ancient civilizations, their philosophies, traditions and points out the intrecate cross cultural exchanges that have lead us to become who we are.

Since 2002 scientific research in Afghanistan experiences a renaissance after 23 year of obscurantism. A lot of damage has been done to the archaeological and cultural heritage of Afghanistan, fortunately a lot can still be saved, with this in mind artists of today are coming to the rescue of the art of the past.

DANA KING

www.Danakingart.com

Dana King, who is also an APAA Board Member since 2005, has traveled extensively as a broadcast journalist. Much of what she has covered over the past decade is still very much in the headlines today. Many of her paintings have a source of light, a respresentation, an expression of hope. These are "stories on canvas", the stories of courageous women and children who have deeply inspired Dana through her many world voyages from Afghanistan to El Salvador. Please visit her website to find out more about her fascinating journeys and her inspiring art. We thank Dana for her support and friendship.

KIMBERLEY HOWLAND

www.kimberleyhowland.com

DAVID KAYOUMI

When artist Daoud Kayoumi left Afghanistan in the summer of 1980,

like most Afghan refugees he expected to return shortly to his beloved
home, his watan. As a child he listened with bewilderment, to
his father speak of the beauty and grandeur of the Bamiyan Buddhas.
It was then that Kayoumi began dreaming of the day he would return to
visit the ancient Buddhist center that was once known for having the
tallest Buddha statues. After two decades of war, the artist can
finally return to Afghanistan, but he shall never gaze upon the nearly 2
centuries old Buddha statues, named Sal Sal (male Buddha ~53 meters)
and Shah Mahma (female Buddha ~45 meters). This artist hasn't lost
hope. Daoud closes his eyes and says "I can see the Buddhas, they are
forever etched upon my soul." In 2001, as Afghans throughout the world
helplessly watched the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas at the hands
of the Taliban, Kayoumi decided to do his part to preserve his dream
and the truth of Afghanistan's history and culture—rooted in art,
music, dance, and poetry—recently stained by the ignorant and hateful
atrocities committed by the Taliban. After a year of pouring his heart
into his rendition of the Bamiyan Buddha, Kayoumi was left with his
most heartfelt artwork, called "Cultural Vandalism."
Daoud first became passionate about art at the age of five. He recalls
drawing a family friend, an American woman, a hippie on her way to
Bamiyan. Kayoumi drew the 60's flower pattern that bordered her bell
bottoms. Once a part owner of a Laguna Beach art gallery, today his
work consists of painting, sculpting and welding. Kayoumi enjoys
modern abstract art, and has been inspired by Peter Max, world famous
modern abstract artist.

David Kayoumi left us in the fall of 2007 at an unfortunate young age, he is missed by hundreds of friends and relatives. David, Daoud as we called him, was a kind and intense person. He loved life but most of all he loved his wife. He shared with us his wishes to help the people of his homeland and looked forward to going to Bamiyan with Professor Tarzi. He was a wonderful supporter of the APAA's vision and most of all he was a true friend always looking out for his friends. The world will simply not be the same without him. May he rest in Peace.