Bhoomi, a community art project initiated by Gidari Baoli Foundation of Arts and Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation (DBF) in collaboration with artist Kamruzzaman Shadhin, was displayed at the TKM Warehouse in Mattancherry as part of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The community art project by the people of Ballia village in Thakurgaon, Bangladesh at TKM Warehouse in Mattancherry as part of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2023 symbolizes human resilience and creativity.
Titled ‘Bhoomi’, the installation has brought together artists, local farmers, artisans and materials from four communities in northwestern Bangladesh. Together they worked during the first phase of the pandemic-induced lockdown from May 2020 to August 2020.
Normal life was affected after the lockdown in 2020. Farmers and artisans in and around Ballia village of Thakurgaon were in trouble after the closure of the market. The community art project was initiated by Gidri Baoli Foundation of Arts and Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation (DBF) in collaboration with artist Kamruzzaman Shadhin.
“Early on, we searched for local materials, traditional crafts and agricultural practices and elements that would connect each of the communities participating in the project. Then, we developed the installations using locally available materials including bamboo, straw and jute, focusing on indigenous farming, human-land relations and socio-cultural changes in communities,” said Akalu Barman who runs ‘Bhoomi’ are part of the project.
Artist Kamruzzaman Shadhin said it was decided to reconnect with nature during and after the pandemic by exploring the complex relationship between community, land and living beings, besides humans and the environment. “We have tried to revisit the spirit of ‘Bhoomi’,” he said.
‘Bhoomi’ will be on display from 9.30 am to 8.30 pm at TKM Warehouse till April 30, 2023.