Growing up, I have read plenty of fairy tales, imagining those storied multiverses vividly. The colours and textures I visualised and sensed while reading those tales existed only in my mind. That was until I entered Bhumi Art Gallery last Sunday — the venue where "Epic Journey of a Migratory Bird", the second solo painting exhibition by Syed Golam Dastagir, is on display.

Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, founder and chairperson of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra notably attended the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest. Distinguished artist Hamiduzzaman Khan presided over the event.

Syed Golam Dastagir aligned himself with visual artistry at a very young age. Rather than painting from reference, he prefers painting what he sees in his imagination and dreams while experimenting with materials to make his art durable. His early involvement with CISV (Children's International Summer Village) showed him the significance of cultural exchange and human connection. 

The use of the word 'bird' in the title of the solo exhibition refers to any individual and the series of paintings is a peaceful rebellion against our world full of thorny boundaries and complications, dreaming of a simpler, more loving, and accepting world. Dastagir has been working on this series since 2010 inspired by his dream of becoming a bird. 

Birds represent liberation, unbound lives, and soaring, limitless dreams. They can fly anywhere and everywhere freely, without any complicated restrictions faced by humans. Migratory birds, in particular, carry the biodiversity of one place to another, and by learning from birds, we too could do that with cultural elements. In artist Dastagir's words, "The migratory bird became my muse: a creature of resilience, courage, and connection. Their journeys defy barriers and borders, reminding us of the interconnectedness of life. Through their flight, they carry the promise of renewal, the persistence of hope, and the possibility of coexistence."

"Epic Journey of a Migratory Bird" entirely captures the dreamy landscapes from a bird's eye view. The artist dreams of a world where anyone can be safe regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, race, beliefs, and values. That world is devoid of cultural, socio-economic, religious, or political barriers among people. It is where individuals respect each other no matter how different they are. A place that is safe for birds is bound to be safe for everyone else.

The eccentric artist Dastagir wishes his spectators to see, touch, feel, and remember his artwork. In his opinion, art is like freedom, it should be accessible to all. Therefore, he has integrated tactile components in his work to create a 'touch and feel' experience, especially for his visually challenged visitors. This is Dastagir's way of inviting everyone to observe the spirit of migratory birds. 

Some of Dastagir's art pieces inspired the sonnets he wrote, and some were created from the heart of his already-written sonnets. These poems are also on display for people to listen to his stories, to see what he saw, and to feel what he felt. The first sonnet where he says, "I see the roads like threads of woven gold, the rivers singing tales of loss and grace," reflects his painting of an imaginary landscape with organically arranged golden roads gleaming in the dark. 

"Epic Journey of a Migratory Bird" has been one of the best art gallery experiences of my life as I could keep looking at the marvelous paintings for hours. Every canvas holds a fairy tale. This is one of those exhibitions where every artwork is equally mesmerising. I am in awe of every aspect of this series of visual art and its otherworldly charm, to the point that I find it difficult to stop describing it.

Bhumi Art Gallery will run this open-for-all exhibition till January 14.

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