As Dhaka confronts its climate vulnerabilities, a remarkable artistic voice is taking root, highlighting the profound connections between people, nature, and creativity in the face of adversity. Antora Mehrukh Azad is a rising artist whose work speaks to the pressing issues of climate change, urbanization, and human resilience. Through her vivid paintings, Azad transforms deeply personal and collective experiences of loss and survival into visual narratives that resonate with urgency.
Antora’s connection to her environment is profound. Growing up in a city prone to flooding and waterlogging, she has witnessed firsthand the devastation that climate change inflicts on communities. “Every year, millions of Bangladeshis find their homes, livelihoods, and lives washed away in floods,” she notes, highlighting the reality faced by countless families. Her own family has been affected by these disasters, adding a personal layer to her art. The emotional weight of these experiences fuels her creativity, leading her to explore how landscapes are shaped not only by nature but also by human actions. One of the defining features of Antora’s work is her use of bright neon colors, particularly pink.
“The bright neon pink water body symbolizes how this situation is not entirely natural but rather manmade,”
she explains. This choice of palette serves as a stark commentary on urban life and its impacts on the environment. In her paintings, urban elements like traffic lights and neon signs blend with natural landscapes, creating a striking contrast that emphasizes the tension between the two worlds. The neon hues are not just aesthetic choices; they embody the overwhelming sensory experience of living in a bustling city, underscoring the artificiality that often dominates our surroundings.
Her artistic journey also includes significant community engagement. In 2018, she participated in a public art project that involved working closely with flood-affected communities in the Char region of Bangladesh. This experience deepened her understanding of the struggles faced by these vulnerable populations. “During the monsoon, floods ravaged houses, and victims looking for shelter are the most common sights in Bangladesh,” she reflects. These encounters inspire her to weave stories of survival into her artwork, illustrating how individuals go through the complexities of life amid environmental upheaval. Her series of paintings can be seen as an archipelago of stories, each one floating in a sea of pink. The vibrant landscapes she creates are both imaginative and reflective of reality, capturing the essence of places that are often lost to floods and neglect. Antora’s work serves as a reminder of what is at stake as climate change accelerates. She poignantly states,
“Nature is taking revenge on us for the damage we have done to the environment day after day.”
This sentiment encapsulates her belief that art can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and sparking conversations about environmental issues. In addition to addressing climate change, Antora’s work also reflects her love for nature, despite being raised in a city. The tension between urban life and natural beauty is a recurring theme in her paintings. By exaggerating elements of Bangladeshi landscapes, she not only honors her roots but also challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with the environment.
Her art encourages a dialogue about the importance of protecting our natural surroundings, especially as urbanization continues to encroach on vital ecosystems.
As she continues to develop her artistic practice, Antora remains committed to using her voice and talents to shine a light on the pressing issues of our time. Her work stands as a reflection of the strength of both people and nature, offering a powerful reminder of the connection that binds our world. Through her art, Antora Mehrukh Azad invites us to reflect on our role in shaping the future and inspires us to act for a more sustainable and just society.
