Loomscape, a textile art exhibition, began at Shala Neighbourhood Art Space, Aloki, 211 Tejgaon in Dhaka, on Friday and ended on Saturday.
Curated by Mahenaz Chowdhury and Samira Syed, this exhibition explores the intricate art of Jamdani weaving through a unique co-creation process.
As part of the ongoing Dhārā residency, the exhibition highlights the deep-rooted history of Jamdani weaving within the community of Demra while also pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
The exhibition will feature five multidisciplinary artists and master artisans, showcasing a robust dialogue between tradition and innovation.
Anika Alamin, a textile artist exploring colonial histories through weaving, co-creates with master Jamdani weaver Md Amir Hossen on Demrar Golpo (Demra’s Story).
Lamees Rahman, an interdisciplinary artist who works between printmaking and digital media, teams up with Jamdani weavers Nazrul Islam and Md Amir Hussain on Phantom Logic, inspired by geometric loom patterns.
Heeva Raza, a London-based inventor and artist, investigates 3D weaving techniques with tapestry artist Noman Khan during her residency.
Tasleema Alam, a London-based artist and designer specializing in Islamic art, co-creates with Md Rajon Mia and Md Jahangir Hossain on Symbols of Power, exploring the intersection of two faiths.
Shohrab Jahan, an interdisciplinary artist, art educator and curator, uses scanning technology and moving images to examine the handlooms and yarns of the Jamdani artisans.
Community lead and master artisan, Md Rajon Mia, son of Alem, says he found his artistic voice.
During this residency, he connected with multidisciplinary artists, exchanged ideas, and drew inspiration from the weavers, which sparked his passion to share his knowledge with the next generation.
Alem Mia, Rajon’s father, shared his pride: “I have taught Rajon the craft of Jamdani, and although I could not offer formal schooling, watching him thrive and collaborate with artists and designers fills me with immense pride. It is heartening to see the younger generation bring fresh, innovative perspectives to the art of Jamdani.”
Mahenaz shares the vision behind Dhārā, explaining the foundation of her work and the values that drive her.
“My journey in forming Dhārā began a few years ago with my internationally acclaimed documentary Once There Were Rivers, which explores the story of the Mia family—master Jamdani artisans who worked closely with the late Ruby Ghuznavi, a pioneering craft expert and Jamdani revivalist—alongside the National Crafts Council of Bangladesh, tracing the deep relationship between their craft and the Shitalakshya River.
As a cultural activist, my dream is to stay rooted in cultural and artisanal spheres and bridge the gap between craft, culture, and modernity. I aim to create spaces that challenge capitalism and industrialization, where we embrace craft and value handmade artistry. Dhārā, as a translocal space, and a continuation of Broqué, allowed me to expand my fieldwork, connecting Bangladeshi artists and artisans beyond borders.”
Curator Samira Syed reflects on the significance of the residency, stating: “Dhārā emerges from my deep appreciation for Bangladeshi artisans, independent entrepreneurs, and weaving traditions. Encounters with master artisan Alem Mia and Md Rajon Mia in Demra has further shaped my trajectory toward long-term engagement with artistry beyond the metropoles.
I believe co-creation residencies can foster transformative creative dialogues, ensuring the continuity of artisanal heritage while forging meaningful connections between emerging creatives and traditional crafts.”
On her residency experience, Artist Tasleema Alam shares how it was transformative, saying: “This residency has deepened my understanding of Jamdani weaving and the central role of the weaver’s way of life.
Itvis an honour to be part of this experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore this timeless craft in such an organized and thoughtful environment.”
Co-funded by the Visual Arts Project Fund of the Goethe-Institut, with Broqué and Berkudim as partners, the Dhārā residency continues to explore the balance between preserving tradition and fostering new artistic expressions. The exhibition marks a continuation of this journey.
