In the era of rapid globalisation, human history can be recorded and shared within the digital realm in the blink of an eye. Yet, the tales of the Earth—where culture shapes identities, and places have the power to shatter or inspire spirits, remain untold. To honour such profound narratives borne by generations, The Bhor Collective has launched "Of the Land"—an art exhibition that traces the intricate roots of being and belonging. The three-day event opened on 20 December as a celebration of multi-dimensional storytelling.

Sajida Tanny, the event's organiser and curator said, "We aimed to highlight emerging talents. By inviting artists to interpret the themes of 'true to the roots' and 'indigenous,' we explored the interplay between land and people, and how our identities are forged around it."

Hosted at Shala: The Neighbourhood Art Space, Of the Land invites audiences to delve into the dynamic concepts and engage in interactive art pieces. The event displays works by 15 talented artists created in diverse mediums including acrylic, oil, and mixed media on canvas. The stories explore the gradients of human experiences in their landscapes—unravelling the joys and heartaches, often hinting at powerful truths.

For instance, Shormy Shafiq's poetic "I am the Land, I am the Earth" represents the bond between humanity and the Earth. "I Think of You Often" portrays the fragility of the land beneath our feet, echoing how it can be reduced to a commodity. With a touch of cubism, "Malnicherra" represent the generational struggle of tea growers in Sylhet.

The vibrant visuals paired with the nostalgic tunes of the flute weave an evocative backdrop for visitors.

"An interesting part of the exhibition was the interactive piece that takes you through all seasons of the year. We need more art spaces like this to showcase Bangladeshi artists," commented Tasnim Hasan, an exhibition attendee.

The interactive art titled "Shuta" offers a sensory delight. As visitors touch the Nakshi Kantha patches—rhythms of rain and river, and the faint hum of a "dheki" come to life.

Farjana Salahuddin, the artist behind the piece, shared the inspiration behind her work, "I wanted to revive the lost stories woven in our textile heritage. For me, the kantha is a connection to my roots in my life abroad."

This emphasis on the personal ties and contradictions with the roots resonates throughout the exhibition, as many paintings shed light on the battle to belong.

Mumana Islam's enigmatic charcoal drawing "Kajol-Rekha" represents the ballad of Bengali brides from the folklore of Maimansingha Gitika. "GhatuaGaan" unearthed the narratives of rural haor music with its watercolour wash technique. Bangladeshi nature, seasons, and crafts were the recurring motifs. Much like eloquent paintings embodying the joy of ancestral dance and music, guests were immersed in the live musical and poetry sessions.

"Of the Land" is the debut exhibition by The Bhor Collective. Founded by Sanjida Tanny and Sorabil Karim, the platform aims to amplify the strokes and stories of undiscovered artists in the mainstream art scene.

To dive into the charming exhibit amidst the crisp winter air, visit Shala: The Neighbourhood Art Space. It is open until December 22, from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.