Kamruzzaman’s impressions of a changing world

In the middle of La Galerie at Alliance Française de Dhaka, various tools are spread out on medium-sized podiums. These tools include: image-forming lacquer, Arabic gum, paint brushes and a sketch pad. The installation looks like it can double as a workstation. Artist Kamruzzaman Sagar compares the table of tools and ink to the ingredients for printmaking. 

Kamruzzaman has been immersed in the medium ever since he was a student and he says as long as he is creating art, he will remain involved with this medium. 

On 31 January, Artist Kamruzzaman's solo exhibition, 'The Metaphorical Representation of the Intricate Nature of Life and Celestial Bodies' opened its doors at Alliance Française de Dhaka, and it will remain open for all till 7 February. The exhibition means to explore climate change and its impact on life around us through lithography, a printmaking technique.

Across the room, a few common motifs stand out, such as birds, horses and even a few human figures. Though many of the artist's prints seem to be set in dystopian worlds, they are always grounded in nature. 

"Here, my art mainly explores global warming and climate change. That is why you will see a lot of animals in my artwork," shared Kamruzzaman. 

The artist further shared that around 2002, when he worked with an NGO that required illustrations and posters, climate change was a popular subject. They would mention rising sea levels, earthquakes, and tsunamis. He soon realised that these events were not a precautionary tale of the future but were unfolding right before his eyes. 

Motivated by his passion for the environment, he continued incorporating the environment into his art. 

Among his many noteworthy pieces, 'Journey' particularly stands out. The print illustrates cattle in migration, with a bird in a bubble flying above a flock of sheep. Kamruzzaman shared how he had observed the Rohingya crisis, and felt the uncertainty of all refugees as they migrated to a new place in the hope of a new future. 

"Even today, refugees have not been able to find their place in this world, but they move forward in the hope of a better future. Similarly, the migrating flock also do not know where they are going," commented the artist. 

While a migration crisis unfolds below, the bird flying above the sheep represents how even wildlife are not safe from the impact of man-made climate change. 

While the artist continues to convey relevant and striking imagery through his art, he still faces one struggle—the under-valued nature of printmaking itself. 
Kamruzzaman feels that the art galleries have yet to give printmaking the recognition it deserves, "In our country, printmaking is still an underappreciated art form," the artist voiced.

TBS Picks

Burning Forest

Medium: Lithograph on paper

During forest fires, as trees burn down and deer look for ways to flee, they often get caught in trees. The artist captures those last few moments of the deer, pondering how it will survive a certain death, while it stands atop a pile of rubble. The eyeless gaze of the deer leaves the viewer to decide whether it looks at death with fear—or anger at the man-made disaster. 

How We Survive

Medium: Lithograph on paper

The piece depicts the rubble of destroyed infrastructure under the night sky. Oddly, in the middle of all the destruction, a bird makes its nest atop a pillar. The scene presents a juxtaposition and seems quite unnatural. It shows how humans have destroyed the bird's natural habitat, nature, replacing them with high-rise buildings. 

Survivor

Medium: Lithograph on paper

The image depicts a fantastical horse's body in all its glory, with its wings spread out, symbolising freedom. The print was made during the pandemic in 2021 when people were confined to their homes. During this time, nature was left alone to spread its wings, finding a bit of freedom for the first time in a long time.