The theme of the tenth instalment of Chobi Mela is “Place.” Concept of place and time came in the works of 13 artistes whose works are being showcased at an exhibition as part of Chobi Mela X. The exhibition is being curated by visual illustration artist Zihan Karim.
With a vision to include the concept of place, time, and space, the 13 artistes from different backgrounds such as painting, drawing, architecture, sculpture, photography, and video and sound installations, will showcase their works in various mediums.
Zihan has been working in various mediums for a long time, especially in video art form. He has curated art shows in both Bangladesh and India.
Talking about his work and career, Zihan told the Dhaka Tribune’s Showtime: “My interest was in film-making, but at some point I realized it is a complex medium and requires combinations of various art forms; therefore, over the years my interest grew in video art.”
“I have always tried to infuse abstract or absurd concepts in my works but most of my works are now realistic and installation based.” “I also use animation and photographs in my video arts,” he added.
“The concept of alternative space and world has always inspired me,” he said, while talking about his thoughts on place and existence.
“As a curator I curated a street show in Chittagong for the first time in my life.” He also said that “Khoj Delhi” was the first exhibition he curated officially. Zihan curated a show on Ritwik Ghatak’s film “Ajantrik.”
“After that, this year, Chobi Mela is my second venture as a curator.”
“At first Tanzim and Munim bhai showed me the place where we are going to be displaying the works, so based on the empty construction parking garage I had to develop the ideas for this exhibition.”
“I took inspiration from the mathematical term of ‘parallel expansion of a place’.”
Zihan told us that the concept of “place” is based on a poem written by Shahidul Alam.
“I wanted to depict the unknown or unseen things through these works and shared the ideas with the participating artistes.”
“As a child I was always interested in science fiction which is reflected in my works.”
“For this exhibition we started working a few months ago,” he said.
He studied painting at Chittagong University, and is currently an associate professor at the Department of Applied Art there. His works have been featured at various art shows and exhibitions, at home and abroad.