Robaba Mohammadi, an Afghan artist and entrepreneur with disabilities, has been named the 'Artist of the Year 2026' by the MAX GALA organization in Canada. The award was presented to Ms. Mohammadi during a special ceremony attended by dozens of artists in Toronto.
The organization 'Smile Canada,' where Mohammadi is a participant in its 'OpenShop' program, celeated the achievement, describing her as an inspiring artist and entrepreneur. "We are proud to celeate the success of Robaba, an Afghan artist and entrepreneur in the Smile OpenShop program, and this well-deserved recognition of her talent and creativity," Smile Canada said in a statement.
Robaba Mohammadi also expressed her happiness on her Instagram page, writing, "Another achievement has been added to my artistic accomplishments; I have received the MAX GALA Canada's Artist of the Year 2026 award." She added that the trophy is not just an award for her but a reminder of the days when, despite all difficulties, she believed in her dreams and never gave up.
According to reports, Mohammadi was selected from a pool of 200 nominated artists. Based on public voting and a thorough evaluation by judges, she first made it to the top 10 artists. She was then chosen as the Artist of the Year from among the three final nominees.
The MAX GALA organization, established in Canada in 2015, annually presents awards to inspiring activists and figures in ten different fields. The organization also names an Artist of the Year and a Woman of the Year in Canada each year.
Born in Ghazni province, Robaba Mohammadi paints with her mouth due to severe physical disabilities affecting both her arms and legs. She has been painting professionally since 2015, and her works, which often reflect the experiences, dreams, and challenges of Afghan women, have garnered international attention.
Mohammadi left Afghanistan after the Taliban government returned to power in August 2021 and later settled in Canada as a refugee. She has previously received numerous awards for her exceptional art and tireless efforts.
Source: Media reports
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