Bangladesh faces a formidable climate challenge due to its geographical location and socio-economic conditions. As a low-lying delta region, the country is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including sea level rise, severe cyclones, erratic rainfall patterns, and salinity intrusion. These factors pose significant threats to food security, water resources, and infrastructure. The urgency for climate awareness, particularly among those living in coastal areas, cannot be overstated.
In response to these pressing environmental issues, Verdant Verse, a printmaking exhibition and studio presentation, was inaugurated on Friday afternoon at Art Space Aloki, located on the Gulshan-Tejgaon Link Road in Dhaka. The exhibition blends art with climate advocacy, highlighting the impact of climate change and the importance of environmental conservation.
Pollution in Bangladesh adds another layer of complexity to the environmental crisis, affecting public health and contributing to socio-economic burdens. Water, soil, air, and plastic pollution have far-reaching impacts, reducing agricultural productivity, destroying biodiversity, and increasing healthcare costs. Combating these issues requires concerted efforts from the government, communities, and individuals alike.
As an artist-run organization, Shunno Art Space recognizes the essential role that creative activities and the arts play in everyday life and mental well-being. Through regular workshops and professional art practices, Shunno engages all ages and professions, fostering a deeper connection to art and its societal impact.
In 2017, Shunno Art Space launched ‘Chalantika’, Bangladesh’s first mobile art studio, to make creative opportunities accessible to more people. Since then, Chalantika has conducted workshops in several places across Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Manikganj, focusing on contemporary issues like climate change.
Curated by Zafar Iqbal, Director of Shunno Art Space, “Verdant Verse” aims to deepen public engagement with art through meaningful dialogue on contemporary issues.
In February, Chalantika organized a three-day printmaking workshop at Golaidanga Muktijuddho Smriti College and Golaidanga Primary and High Schools in Singair Upazila, Manikganj. The workshop, held from February 11, aimed to educate 384 participating students about the effects of climate change and the importance of environmental conservation.
These students created artworks that reflect their understanding of the challenges posed by climate change, which are now being showcased at Verdant Verse. This initiative seeks to instill environmental awareness in youth and provide them with an outlet for creative expression. Visitors to the exhibition can also participate in free workshops at Chalantika’s mobile studio during the event.
Curated by Zafar Iqbal, Director of Shunno Art Space, the Verdant Verse exhibition showcases these student artworks while also encouraging public engagement with environmental issues. The event featured notable figures from both the art and environmental sectors:
The Verdant Verse exhibition and mobile studio presentation will be held from March 22 to 24, daily from 4 PM to 8 PM at Art Space Aloki in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The exhibition not only showcases student art but also offers visitors the chance to engage in free workshops and gain hands-on experience in printmaking.
In the face of Bangladesh’s climate and pollution challenges, initiatives like Verdant Verse serve as a call to action, blending art with environmental advocacy to foster a culture of awareness and conservation. By empowering young minds and engaging the public, this exhibition takes a meaningful step towards a more sustainable future.
