The Invisibellas
Throwing light on gender oppression
The pictures above are only a fraction of what 15 artists painted on a 100-feet wall in the capitals Notun Bazar area as part of a street art project.
Bengal Art Lounge in Gulshan is hosting an exhibition of The Invisibellas, an outcome of the street art project, initiated by the Dhaka hub of Global Shapers community to celebrate women, raise awareness about their rights and issues and realities that affect them.
Art has always been a powerful medium for spreading messages and if you step inside the Art Lounge, just off a busy thoroughfare, you will be transported to a wonderful world of art that tells the stories of Bangladeshi women, their struggle to be heard in society, their subjugation as well as their success.
Many of the artists have taken up the walls of the gallery as their canvas.
A painting with a yellow umbrella attached gets a multimedia projection of words, like too independent, too dark, stay at home, falling like rain drops on it. Kazi Istela Imam, Meleena Dhrity Gomez, Dibarah Mahboob, Nuzhat Tabassum and Mahenaz Chowdhury form the gifted group who worked on the display.
The wall opposite has another wonderful depiction of a girl on a ladder, painting her superhero. The ladder is a real one placed really close to the painting to make it look as if the girl painted on the wall is actually on it. Saif Mahmud and Liza Hasan are the artists behind this interesting piece.
The 3D effects make these two pieces quite unique and enjoyable.
Another interesting work, titled Shaped by Nuhash Humayun, has two additional comic books/diaries placed with it, containing the stories behind his artwork. One depicts his childhood and upbringing with three older sisters. The second book illustrates his experiences and work with the artists of The Invisibellas. Here, Nuhash addresses the dreadful sexual harassment of women on Pahela Baishakh (April 14) last year and how the social media was flooded with women sharing stories of abuse/harassment they have all faced at some point in their lives.
His comics talk about the atrocious mindset of men who, instead of stopping the heinous act, recorded the event because they might not get the chance to see something like this again. Shocked? Dont be, because this is what women of our society face almost everyday of their life. A push while walking in a crowded place, an unwanted hand grazing accidently on intimate parts of the body, a lascivious look, offensive catcalls and the list goes on.
Every piece of art at the exhibition addresses an important social issue, such as the stigmas placed on women by society, their dreams of doing something meaningful with their own lives and their constant battle for being just a woman.
Cartoonist Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoys colourful illustration of a strong woman who has broken the shackles put on by society is truly praiseworthy.
Tanmoy, an assistant editor of satire magazine Unmad, has named the series Mukti, which is Bangla for freedom, and it is quite fitting for the fierce diva depicted.
Manik N Ratans artworks also showcase the power of women, while Wasi Ahmeds warrior women holding spears make a great display of female strength and determination.
It is great to see that there are people out there who are willing to fight the battle of gender discrimination, which is prevalent in our society. Their chosen media will surely give rise to some productive debates regarding such pressing issues. Hopefully, it will help to improve the mindset of people and give a positive push towards developing a society where gender equality is respected.
The exhibition will continue till April 9.
