A compelling new exhibition titled Downward’s Surface unfolds today, November 25, at the La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), showcasing the dynamic works of master’s students from the Department of Printmaking at Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. The event opens with a special inauguration by Professor Dr. Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Fine Arts Faculty, who will join notable figures such as Professor Md. Anisuzzaman and Associate Professor Asmita Alam Shammy in celebrating this thought-provoking showcase.
The exhibit presents a collection of prints created during a collaborative workshop led by Julia Lebrao Sendra, an Assistant Professor at ENSAV La Cambre in Belgium.
The works center on the Buriganga River, a vital yet imperiled feature of Dhaka’s landscape. The river, once the lifeblood of the city, now struggles against the forces of neglect and pollution—a symbol of both resilience and decline.
In their artwork, the students employ a rich combination of woodcut, lithography, and etching techniques, creating textured images that invite viewers to explore the complex layers of Buriganga’s story. These prints transcend mere visual depictions; they are a call to awareness, urging the public to confront the river’s vulnerability and the societal indifference that has allowed its deterioration.
The collection speaks to themes of loss, coexistence, and the fragility of connection.
Each piece reveals a deep emotional undercurrent, where vibrant colors and intricate textures blur the lines between memory and reality. The artists capture not only the river’s current state but also its narrative of change, offering a silent but powerful plea for change.
The exhibition is a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility we bear in protecting natural resources and cultural landmarks.
Through the lens of printmaking, these emerging artists emphasize the collective impotence that has led to the gradual erosion of such an iconic symbol. Yet, within these powerful images lies the potential for transformation—a chance for us to rethink our relationship with the environment and each other.
Downward’s Surface brings together a diverse group of young artists, including Abu Al Naeem, Anika Tabassum Hridi, Derril Audri Roy, and many others. The exhibition, running until November 19, promises to be an immersive experience for all those who seek to understand the complexities of Dhaka’s Buriganga River and the larger environmental and cultural issues it represents.
