From Earth We Come, to Earth We Return, and from Earth We Shall Rise Again

Feda Wardak’s video installation From Earth We Come, to Earth We Return, and from Earth We Shall Rise Again centers on the karez, ancient underground water channels that carry water from the mountains to the lower-lying regions of Afghanistan. For generations, these communal water systems sustained agriculture and everyday life across the country’s arid landscapes. During the wars and occupations of the past five decades, however, many of these systems, some of which were appropriated for military purposes, were damaged or destroyed. Bombing caused tunnels to collapse, entire villages were displaced, and local water systems were abandoned.