In 2019, I was commissioned for art curation projects for the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). My primary challenge was to move away from traditional, decorative art methods and address the impact of mechanical reproduction on visual art, often overlooked in Bangladesh’s commercial art market. I aimed to create engaging art
that connects with its surroundings and presents history uniquely.For the Dhaka Stock Market’s mural, I proposed a concept reflecting Bangladesh’s economic progress and development since independence, featuring visions of influential political figures Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Mujib. The goal was to avoid propaganda while still aligning with a new law
regarding Mujib’s visual representation. This project involved transforming Shishir Bhattacharjee’s drawings into large-scale steel murals, a process that deviated from traditional approaches and included steps like vector transformation and 3D modeling. The collaborative effort included various creatives, such as animator Abir Khalid and architect Prottay Roy Chowdhury.A significant part of the project was the bronze sculpture of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by Manabendra Ghosh, created using the Dhokra technique. This sculpture symbolized Mujib’s strength and sacrifices, aiming to evoke memories of Bangladesh’s independence war and foundational values. The base, designed by Prottay Roy Chowdhury, juxtaposed computerized reproduction with traditional casting methods.The project faced challenges like budget constraints but succeeded through the decisive work of artists and the curatorial team. I emphasized the transformation of media and the support from team members, including painter Chandan Sarker and sculptor Tareque Hasan. Chandan’s work was inspired by SM Sultan’s painting, and his family background in farming added depth to the representation of a farmer’s value in Bangladesh’s economy. The project also included working with sculptor Tanvir Mahmud Shochi on “Pronidhan,” a piece that won an award in 2018. Originally a temporary installation, I aimed to make it permanent using stainless steel and fiber materials. This sculpture was installed at the entrance of DSE, symbolizing a balance between capitalist materialism and organic life, reflecting on the human experience within the corporate system.