Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier71 hosted the 11th session of its artist talk series, Cosmos Art Echo, on Saturday, featuring the artistic transformation of distinguished Bangladeshi artist, art educator, curator and researcher Bishwajit Goswami.

The session, titled "Metamorphosis," was held at the Cosmos Atelier71 Studio at Cosmos Centre in Malibagh, bringing together artists, students, art educators and cultural enthusiasts for an in-depth discussion on transformation in artistic practice, cultural identity and contemporary visual language.

Through his multidisciplinary and research-based practice, Bishwajit reflected on his lifelong artistic evolution, saying nothing had been able to stand in the way of his journey of transformation.

Bishwajit Goswami’s practice centers on six foundational elements—Ma, Mati, Manush, Bhasha, Swadesh and Prokriti—representing mother, soil, people, language, motherland, and nature.

Through multidisciplinary approaches, he investigates how these interconnected elements shape collective identity.  His practice emphasizes collaboration, site-responsive methodologies, and sustained dialogue with artisans and communities across local and international contexts.

Both his artistic and curatorial works advocate shared authorship, repositioning traditional forms within contemporary frameworks through processes of exchange.

Goswami said his creative practice is deeply rooted in nature, drawing inspiration from natural phenomena such as the tides, the roar of the sea and the first light of day entering his studio.

Reflecting on his role as an educator at the Faculty of Fine Arts, he described teaching as a continuous learning process, saying the enthusiasm and energy of young students, including watching them paint on large canvases, remain one of his greatest sources of inspiration.

He stressed that art should communicate with everyone- from rickshaw pullers to schoolchildren- and said he was proud that his wall-paintings were protected following the July movement because ordinary people felt connected to them.

Speaking about his curatorial works, Bishwajit said he focused on presenting the richness and strength of Bangladeshi culture to international audiences, citing his work with the Victoria and Albert Museum as an example.

Speaking at the event, Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of Cosmos Foundation and Editor Emeritus of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), said transformation is an integral part of everyday life.

Noting that everyone goes through transformation regularly, he said, “Every day is a new day and every day is a battle. It is only way forward to accept this battle with positive mind. We all have an inborn mindset to create and to do something (meaningful)," he said.

Highlighting the importance of an inclusive society, Khan said every child is an inborn artist.  Arts are in everything from presentation and conversation.

"I see everything as art," he said, adding that human progress has no limits because imagination knows no boundaries.

Khan said whether one is an artist, a saint or an ordinary person, there is no restriction or tax on the power of human thought.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion and informal conversations among the speaker, artists, students and audience members.

The event also paid tribute to legendary artist Mustafa Monwar, who passed away on June 29 last. A one-minute silence was observed to pay homage to eminent artist Mustafa Monwar. A video documentary was screened in memory of the renowned artist.

Enayetullah Khan announced that the Cosmos Foundation would publish a research book on Mustafa Monwar to honour his life and artistic contributions.

Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury was also present.

Artists, art educators, students and cultural enthusiasts from different institutions attended the event.

Cosmos Art Echo continues its commitment to dialogue, exchange and critical engagement in contemporary art practice through regular artist talks and cultural activities.

Launched under the Atelier71 Membership Programme, the initiative has been bringing together artists, thinkers and audiences through activities including art camps, workshops, film screenings, outdoor art events and auctions.