Gangaburi: Art celebrating life along Buriganga

The Buriganga river has been a lifeline for Dhaka, deeply connected to the lives of the communities that live along its banks. The river supports the daily activities and livelihoods of the local communities -- from fishermen to worshippers. Unfortunately, as the city and the population have grown, the Buriganga has been facing greater challenges, putting the river, and the lives along it, at risk.

To highlight, and especially protect this living tradition, the Brihatta Art Foundation is hosting the second phase of the "Gangaburi" project. This project features a special art exhibition on a two-storied mechanical boat, featuring site-specific works by a variety of artists. Among the artists are Moinuddin Moni, a painter and sculptor; Elodie Guignard, a French photographer; Dinar Sultana Putul, a painter; Mojahid Musa, a sculptor; Bilas Mandal, a sculptor; and Rupakalpa Chowdhury, a sculptor.

Each artist brings a unique perspective, exploring and showcasing the river's importance in our history, the traditions, and the connection between the river, and the people surrounding it.

The exhibition allows visitors to experience the interconnection, merging the lines between art, nature, and the communities. In short, the exhibition is a celebration of the Buriganga and the people who depend on it, honouring the deep connection they share.

"The life of those who live around the river is as fluid as the river itself. Through this exhibition, we not only connect with the diverse communities surrounding the river, but also offer visitors the chance to explore and learn about the unique bond. For the communities, the exhibition acts as a mirror, allowing them to see their own lives and stories reflected in the artworks," explains Bishwajit Goswami, co-founder of Brihatta Art Foundation.

Md Naser, a local resident by the river, expressed great curiosity about the exhibition, discussing with the co-founder by asking questions and sharing his thoughts.

"As you know, the venues change every day, and we meet different communities on each bank. People like Naser Kakaare visiting the exhibition and sharing their stories -- that's exactly what we hoped for," Bishwajit adds.

The artworks encourage the viewers and also the communities to engage in conversations about protecting the river and sharing responsibility for its future. By capturing the beauty of life along the river, from daily routines to rituals -- the project aims to strengthen the bond between humans and nature.

Project "Gangaburi" is a 3-day event, with the final day taking place at Thota Ghat and Madbor Bazar Ghat on Sunday, November 17 2024, from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

The title of this project is inspired by the song "Gangaburi" by Kafil Ahmed. The project is directed by Bishwajit Goswami and curated by Shehzad Shahriar Chowdhury.