Emerging from the culturally rich streets of Old Dhaka, Najmun Nahar Keya’s artistic journey reflects a harmonious blend of personal memories, societal reflection, and historical insight. Raised amidst architectural wonders, Keya was nurtured by a family that valued creativity, fueling her aspirations as an artist. Her works delve into themes of nostalgia, archival family photographs, architectural splendor, and socio-political narratives, revealing a profound sensitivity to both her surroundings and her heritage.
Keya’s formal journey in art began with an academic foundation at South Mushendi Girls’ High School and Dhaka City College. Her passion further blossomed during her BFA and MFA studies at the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka. During this time, she explored powerful themes, such as the Iraq and Afghan wars, creating a series that juxtaposed stamps and imagery to express global turbulence.
Her artistic horizons expanded exponentially when she received the prestigious Monbukagakusho Japanese Government Scholarship allowing her to pursue a second MFA in Tokyo. This five-year tenure in Japan deeply influenced her art, especially as she explored duality—contrasting the sounds, signs, and human behaviors of Dhaka and Tokyo.
Keya’s international exposure shaped her artistic philosophy and practice. She was accepted for the Charles Wallace Fellowship at the University of Stirling, England, in 2018, and is currently a visiting artist at The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, Harvard University. These global experiences have imbued her work with a unique perspective, reflecting both local roots and universal themes.
Even though I missed the hustling sounds of Dhaka, my time in Tokyo opened new windows of imagination for me.
Keya shares. The Japanese approach to preserving culture, paired with their philosophical depth, significantly informed her techniques and thematic choices.
Keya’s curatorial journey reached a pivotal moment with her solo-curated exhibition, Frozen Song, presented at Chobi Mela Shunno. Inspired by the architectural philosophy of Bashirul Haq, the exhibition draws on Goethe’s concept of architecture as “frozen music.” Keya invited artists from various generations to explore Haq’s ideas through diverse materials, crafting a collective narrative that reverberates with the essence of Haq’s vision.
Featured artists included Jewel A Rob, Dilara Begum Jolly, Efat Razowana Reya, Reaz Rahman, and Promotesh Das Pulak, whose contributions enriched the exhibition’s multidimensional approach.
Keya’s artistic inquiries are profoundly layered, often addressing the intersection of history, humanity, and the environment.
Symphony of Worlds (2022–23): This project connects the Tangail sari tradition with the lyrical wisdom of Khana, a legendary Bengali poet. By inscribing Khana’s sayings into soft sculptures, Keya explores the resilience of collective memory in the face of oppressive forces like patriarchy.
Life Line (2023–ongoing): Inspired by her childhood fascination with rivers as lifelines of the land, this project reflects on the ecological and geopolitical crises threatening river systems. Through intricate drawings and text, Keya memorializes “dead rivers,” highlighting humanity’s devastating impact on nature.
Death Sentence Series: In this body of work, Keya examines the evolution of weaponry and its paradoxical coexistence with aesthetics. Through cyanotype prints, gold leaf highlights, and Japanese papermaking techniques, she reinterprets archival war artifacts and cultural codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi. This series juxtaposes historical violence with the fragility of human creativity. Keya’s commitment to the arts transcends her studio practice. She believes in the transformative power of creativity, urging practitioners to embrace art as a profession.
Art needs to be accepted as a profession by not only the masses but also by the artists themselves
,” she asserts.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Keya found solace and inspiration in online discussions with fellow artists. These sessions reinvigorated her artistic spirit, leading to new creations and collaborations.
Keya’s works resonate with an urgent call to preserve culture and foster creativity. Her projects underscore the fragility of history and the resilience of memory, challenging audiences to reflect on the human condition. Whether through the flowing script of Khana’s words or the intricate patterns of archival weaponry, her art bridges the past and present, weaving narratives that are both deeply personal and universally relevant.
As she continues her artistic journey, Najmun Nahar Keya remains a pivotal voice in Bangladesh’s fine arts landscape, embodying the spirit of innovation and cultural preservation. Through her multifaceted projects, she leaves an indelible mark on the global art community, proving that even the smallest efforts can ripple through history and inspire profound change.
