12 Bengali and German folk tales on Goethe lockers

Recently, Goethe-Institut welcomed 13 young artists to redecorate their lockers, through the project, 'Übernatural: Unlocked', facilitated by HerStory Foundation. The artists painted a mural of 12 supernatural female characters from German and Bengali folk tales on the lockers. The opening ceremony of 'Übernatural: Unlocked' took place at Goethe-Institut's library on February 11.

At the ceremony, six storytellers gathered around the library to share stories. They also arranged a scavenger hunt for the audience, who competed with one another to win a gift bag from Goethe Institut and HerStory Foundnation. The band Alex and the Monsters performed at the event. Eminent painter Monirul Islam and Kirsten Hackenbroch, Goethe-Institut Director, were present, among other noted guests.

Concept artist and animator Fj Mony painted the character of Rapunzel, one of her most favourite fantastical characters. "I never painted a locker before, but I had a great time throughout this project. I have tried to incorporate different techniques and vibrant colours in my work," Mony explained.

Sayeef Mahmud illustrated the character, Chandburi, from a personal context. " Most of us grew up listening to the stories of Chandburi from our grandmothers and in our minds,  we all have picture our grandmothers as the Chandburi at some point," said  Sayeef, adding that the women in his life are his pillars of strength. HerStory curator Katerina Don mentioned that through extensive research, they came up with an array of stories, including one from the transgender community.

The other featuring artists were Aabir Khalid (Mader Gaan),  Ahmed Fahim (Patal Konya Monimala), Antora Mehrukh Azad (Tanyabi Firti), Farah Khandaker (Frau Prechta), Inshra Sakhawat Russell (Sultana's Dream), Kabir Ava (Brunhild), Rafiuzzaman Rhythom (Frau Holle), Shourov Khan (Lorelei),  Venessa Kaiser (Behula and Manasha) and Wasi Ahmed (Bon Bibi).  Kazi Istela is behind the typography of Übernatural: Unlocked.

Goethe-Institut, in partnership with HerStory Foundation is also hosting a pop-up of the Sister Library, which will run till tomorrow. One hundred books are available for reading at the pop-up, which will end with a 'Zine With Us' workshop with librarian Aqui Thami at the institute tomorrow, from 2 pm to 4 pm. The workshop is open to all upon registration.