Dhaka:'Peripheral Imaginaries,' a special art exhibition, opened at Bengal Shilpalay in the capital on Thursday, marking the 45th anniversary of the rights organization Nijera Kori. The exhibition explores the lives, struggles, and aspirations of landless communities through their artistic expressions.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the exhibition was inaugurated at 6 pm by artist Syed Abul Barq Alvi and Rahela Begum, a landless leader from Khulna. Curated by Mahbubur Rahman, the three-day event features collaborative works by members of landless communities and artists from Britto Arts Trust, challenging conventional ideas about whose experiences are recognized as art.
The exhibition delves into how land, ecology, labor, and everyday life shape the imagination of these communities. Their intimate knowledge of their surroundings contrasts with the insecurity of their land claims. These themes are materialized through art workshops involving participants from four Nijera Kori centers across Bangladesh.
Participants created artworks using fabrics, appliqué, and soft sculpture, reflecting their lived experiences. Initially uncertain about the process, they were encouraged to experiment, resulting in creative pieces that invite viewers to reconsider the boundaries of art.
Nijera Kori, founded in 1980, works with landless communities to build organizations that assert their rights. By the end of 2025, the organization supported 11,583 groups with 233,917 members, focusing on women's rights and resource claims. The exhibition, organized with Britto Arts Trust, runs until October 31, with visiting hours from 4 pm to 8 pm daily.