Roya (The Dream)
Three boys climb onto a rock overlooking Kabul, searching for a better view as their friend Noor Ali sends his kite soaring above the city below. Guided by the first light of morning, the photograph reflects the curiosity and imagination that transform an ordinary rooftop into a place of adventure. Childhood unfolds not through grand events, but through simple moments shared among friends.
Roya is a Dari word meaning dream. The title reflects the spirit of childhood imagination and the aspirations that take flight alongside the kite.
Growing up as an Afghan-American, Malikyar knew two different versions of his motherland: the Afghanistan portrayed in the headlines, and the Afghanistan he knew through his family. Before ever experiencing the country himself, he came to know a place filled with beauty, culture, and humanity through stories, photographs, music, food, and tradition.
Guided by his Afghan heritage and relationships built on trust, Malikyar created this body of work over repeated journeys across Afghanistan, documenting daily life through moments of family, tradition, spirituality, work, and play. Many of the photographs were made during a brief period of access, preserving communities, traditions, and ways of life at a pivotal moment in the country's history. Together, they offer a portrait of Afghanistan shaped not by conflict alone, but by the dignity, beauty, and humanity that have always been part of its story.
For Malikyar, the series is also the fulfillment of a promise he made to himself as a child: that one day he would return and share the Afghanistan he knew existed with the world
Artwork Sizes
Prints are available unframed, or professionally framed.
+ 18×24 in (45×61 cm) print, total framed size: 24x30” (61x76cm)
+ 30×40 in (76×101.6 cm) print, total framed size: 38x48” (96x122cm)
+ 40×54 in (102×137 cm) print, total framed size: 48x62” (122x157cm)
ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS
+ Fine Art Paper: Archival pigment print on Canson Baryta Photographique 310gsm.
+ Presentation: Framed artworks are mounted with a white 8-ply archival mat for a refined museum-quality presentation. Each piece arrives ready to hang with all necessary hardware.
+ Frame: Solid wood gallery frame available in white, black, or natural wood.
+ Glazing: UV-protective, non-glare acrylic for enhanced protection while minimizing reflections.
+ Certificate of Authenticity: Each artwork includes a signed Certificate of Authenticity detailing the title, edition, size, and production information.
SHIPPING
We ship to the following regions:
- United States
- Canada
- European Union
- United Kingdom
- Australia
DELIVERY
Each piece is made to order by our global network of master printers, and ships worldwide within 10-20 days from the purchase date. Our shipping is trackable & insured. Once shipped, you'll receive a tracking number to your email so you can track your artwork as it makes its way to you. Courier timelines are subject to change.