বপন / Sowing

Curated by Golam Faruque Sarkar

Artist name: Anika Tasnim Anup, Bipasha Hayat, Jafrin Gulshan, Golam Faruque Sarkar Khandkar Nasir Ahammed, Sumana Akter. 

“Bangladesh is an agrarian country; if the farmers survive, the country will survive.”

This statement prompts us to question the current relevance of this philosophy. Is it merely a relic found in books, or does it still hold true in today’s reality? How often do we consider the vital processes of agriculture — the sowing of paddy, the methods of cultivation, the threshing of grain, and the storage of crops? These activities, although crucial to our existence, often go unnoticed in our daily lives.

It is essential to understand how much we value the agrarian community. Are farmers receiving fair prices for their products? Does the exploitation by middlemen overshadow the farmers’ hard work from production to marketing and storage? The powerful imagery of farmers, as depicted by the artist S M Sultan, contrasts sharply with their current struggles, often resembling a nightmare rather than a dream.

The current exhibition highlights the occupation that engages nearly half of Bangladesh’s population — the farmers who feed the entire nation. It aims to raise public awareness about the significance of these farmers and their agricultural practices. By exploring the various aspects of traditional agricultural systems and management, the exhibition seeks to revive a dialogue around this topic.

Through the philosophies, emotions, and artistic expressions of the participating artists, this exhibition offers a unique perspective. The diverse forms and mediums used by six artists will provide new insights into the country’s tradition, culture, soil, water, and climate, inspiring the audience to rethink and appreciate the foundational role of agriculture in Bangladesh.