‘Zero Calorie’: Contradictions of our conscience

"When you are holding a dry leaf, you have to be very careful, because it is delicate. The time we are living in now, is similar to this analogy. So, if we are not sensible, I feel there will be another big catastrophe soon. If anything, throughout history, Mother Nature has always reminded us of that," said Rasel Chowdhury of Daagi Art Garage.

Daagi's latest exhibition, which has been titled "Zero Calorie", tries to re-explore our contemporary issues, questioning and reminding us of the usual narratives which are underlyingly problematic and collectively ignored. For instance, even their choice of words in the exhibition title and note has a metaphorical meaning too.

Photos: Shahbaz Nahian

At first glance, one might think that the exhibition revolves around the topic of typical consumerist behaviour in the neo-liberal era—where capitalism conditions us to consume more to attain happiness, but contradicts itself by preaching that a perfect body is a slim and toned one.

However, the artworks, which are all rather intriguing, actually questions the train of psychology instead, reminding us of our collective subconscious and its inherent greed, gluttony and carelessness, that are slowly consuming us instead.  

Although not a familiar name outside our local art scene, this Dhaka-based young art collective is one of the finest in their genre in Bangladesh. The exhibition is currently taking place at Daagi's own space, Studio Bhashkarmi in the capital's Hazaribagh area.

"Zero Calorie" is open for all and will run between 2 pm and 8 pm every day until February 21.