Joël van Houdt is a Dutch documentary photographer whose work explores conflict, power and the everyday realities that persist within them. Between 2010 and 2022 he lived and worked extensively in Afghanistan, based for five years in Kabul while contributing to European and American newspapers and magazines.

Arriving in 2010 with little more than a hotel name and a phone number, he set out to document the consequences of wealthy nations, his own included, waging war in one of the poorest countries in the world. Over time his work shifted toward a more subjective exploration of the often surreal realities of daily life in a country shaped by decades of foreign intervention.

Most photographs in Afghanistanism were made away from assignments, during long walks through Kabul and other cities. They reveal moments of resilience, humour and generosity that existed alongside violence and uncertainty.

The book was designed by Sybren Kuiper and is self-published. During the launch Joël will speak about his years living in Afghanistan and the editing and design process behind the book.

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