‘Maya’: When everyday objects become art

The inauguration of "Maya", a solo art exhibition by Syed Mohammad Zakir took place at Bengal Shilpalay on July 22. The event was graced by the presence of Professor Lalarukh Salim from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka (DU), artist and art-writer Mustafa Zaman, and artist Mahbubur Rahman.

The ceremony was hosted by architect Luva Nahid Choudhury. The guests spoke about the artist's skills and competence throughout his student life and professional. Mustafa Zaman in his speech talked about the idea of enlightenment – to see an object as a friend and not a lifeless thing. He added that the Zakir, through his practice, has composed objects and turned them into playful elements or even friends. This process has helped the artist reach a higher level of spirituality.

Syed Mohammad Zakir is an experimental artist, spontaneity inspires him to create art. He said that he wants his art to be a playful interaction with 'found objects'. Some of the things are collected from the site itself. "I do not like to plan, rather I compose after I have seen the materials. Along with my compositions, I add line art, or sketches of my subjects. The ever-changing realm of lifeless objects, and my forever curious mind are what navigates my art in the form of sketches, installations, sculptures, and land art," shared the artist.

Bengal Shilpalay is currently displaying Syed Mohammad Zakir's artworks, which vary in size, shape, textures, and thickness. Most of them are large pieces collected from junkyards, construction sites, and various other sources of found materials.

However, most pieces are massive in scale and are placed in a way so that they become parts of the building itself. There are huge pipes and metal-made plants that give the gallery curved lines. There are actual plants, roots, trunks etc. that have also made their way to the gallery.

A truck door hangs on the wall with a saw. Thrown away toys, carts, Styrofoam, wires, plastic bags and what not. All are arranged skillfully by the artist. Poems from his wife, Sanjeeda Shahid, have made its place in one corner. The gallery itself has become a land art thanks to Zakir and his team. The exhibition will run till September 2.