Bangladeshi artist Dr Abu Kalam Shamsuddin is set to present his solo exhibition ‘The Song of Agony: Arishadvarga’ at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) from Friday.
The exhibition, opening at 6 pm on Oct 2, draws on the Indian philosophical concept of Arishadvarga, or Shadripu, referring to six inner enemies of human nature: Kama (desire), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (delusion or attachment), Mada (pride) and Matsarya (jealousy).
Through a series of paintings, Shamsuddin explores how these impulses influence human behaviour and relationships while affecting the balance between humans and nature.
The exhibition also encourages viewers to reflect on their own desires, actions and responsibilities. “I feel that, as an artist, I also have a responsibility towards the environment and the world,” the artist said.
Beyond individual introspection, the works address the environmental consequences of unchecked desires and self-centred behaviour, highlighting issues including deforestation, ecological imbalance, wildlife protection and the preservation of natural habitats.
Shamsuddin has drawn inspiration from the techniques of Ajanta cave paintings and Thangka art, combining them with contemporary materials and textured surfaces. Sand, mud, zinc oxide and acrylic paint are used to create tactile surfaces and asymmetrical compositions.
Earthy browns, muted blues, yellow-greens and shades of gold dominate the palette, while the interplay of colour, texture and form explores consciousness, conflict, transformation and spiritual awakening. Gold, in particular, represents the possibility of inner transformation and greater self-awareness.
“The exhibition seeks to reveal the hidden connections between human desires, our behaviour, and the natural world, encouraging us to recognise and reconsider the consequences of our actions,” Shamsuddin said.
Open to all, the exhibition will remain open to visitors from Oct 3 to 13, daily from 3 pm to 9 pm at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi.