On February 7, 2025, the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation (DBF) hosted Beats & Strokes, a first-of-its-kind event at a vibrant rooftop venue in Dhaka. Traditional art exhibitions can sometimes feel static, or one-dimensional. Beats & Strokes sought to change that by transforming art into a multisensory experience-amalgamating music, live graffiti, and interactive visuals to make creativity more engaging, immersive, and dynamic. By blending sound and street art, the event aimed to redefine how people experience art, moving beyond passive observation to full sensory participation.
“Graffiti itself is not new to Bangladesh or undivided Bengal. Artist Somnath Hore referenced it during the antiÂBritish movement, and Rafiqun Nabi recalled how the term ‘Chika mara’ was used for graffiti before independence. More recently, graffiti played a powerful role in the Monsoon Revolution, standing as a visual testament to public expression and resistance”, said Durjoy Rahman, the Founder of DBF.
‘Beats & Strokes’ also paid tribute to graffiti artists-creators whose work has often been overlooked as “real” art yet has had a profound cultural impact. The event honored artists like Rafiq Mia, who painted graffiti on the very rooftop where the gathering took place. His passing last year was a loss to the community, making the space even more significant as a tribute to his legacy.
Throughout the night, the rooftop transformed into a living canvas, not just with live graffiti but also with thoughtfully curated art installations. A tribute wall honored the pioneering Bangladeshi sculptor Novera Ahmed, showcasing archival photographs and an installation of one of her sculptures from the DBF collection. Adding to the visual narrative, artist Ratnashwar Sutradhar’s work was displayed on the walls, addressing themes of animal rights, disability, and recycling.
Meanwhile, the rooftop pulsed with energy as graffiti artists Bijoy and Skech took center stage, their spray cans hissing and splattering as they brought bold, dynamic art to life in real time. The synergy between sound and art was electric-each burst of paint seemed to move in sync with the curated sets of DJ Munasib, FlyontheWall, and Mehsaam, creating a mesmerizing interplay of movement and melody.
By the end of the night, ‘Beats & Strokes’ had done more than just showcase art-it had redefined it as a communal, inclusive experience, bringing people together through sound, color, and shared expression.
BEFORE
AFTER
Novera Ahmed
(1939-2015)
Novera Ahmed (1939-2015) defied societal norms, blazing a trail for future generations of female artists in Bangladesh and beyond. A true pioneer in modern sculpting, she was often misunderstood in her homeland despite her groundbreaking efforts. Her artistic pursuit began with experimenting with geometrical and anthropomorphic forms using stones and concrete, gradually incorporating steel, iron, and bronze into her sculptures. Often ahead of her time, her works had a blend of western, folk, indigenous, and Buddhist influences, reflecting the female experience. While producing only around 100 pieces in Dhaka, each spoke volumes to the world in its own unique language.
Her influence extended beyond her artworks; she played a significant role in designing the Shaheed Minar, a historic monument in Dhaka honoring the martyrs of the Bangla Language Movement of 1952.
Renowned artist Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin once remarked, “What Novera is doing now will take us a long time to understand – she is that kind of artist.” Indeed, her legacy endures through her exceptional body of work. Despite encountering challenges and misconceptions surrounding her departure from Bangladesh, Novera Ahmed’s contributions to art and culture remain profoundly significant.
Living with Plastic
Ratnashawar Sutradhwar
Plastics have become an inseparable part of our daily lives, with their usage increasing at an alarming rate. While providing convenience, these materials remain in the environment for thousands of years, disrupting its delicate balance. Scientific research confirms that this gro”ring reliance on plastic contributes significantly to environmental degradation.
In Bangladesh, often referred to as the “motherland of rivers,” discarded plastics find their way into rivers, streams, and the sea. This rampant pollution is slowing the flow of rivers and damaging ecosystems at a rapid pace. The consequences of this environmental abuse are visible in the form of emerging diseases, indicating nature’s retaliation.
Despite the availability of alternative, innovative solutions, a lack of proper initiatives and awareness continues to perpetuate this crisis. It is imperative for us to act now to ensure a safe and sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
This artwork seeks to raise awareness about the urgent need to address plastic pollution. By blending life and plastic into a singular visual narrative, presented through the modern medium of pixelated imagery, the piece reflects how deeply intertwined our lives have become with plastic. It challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with this material and encourages them to envision a healthier, more balanced coexistence with nature.
Special Face 3
Ratnashawar Sutradhwar
Individuals with autism possess distinctive qualities that contribute immense value to their families and communities. Despite facing particular challenges associated with autism, they remain uniquely special.
In my artwork, I sought to reflect upon these exceptional qualities and challenges, particularly considering special children who unfortunately lack access to education and cultural activities.
The economic parameter holds considerable importance in addressing the needs of these unique children. Those children on the margins of various communities, grappling with special challenges, are often overlooked compared to their autistic counterparts in urban settings. Through my artwork, I aim to articulate the silent struggles experienced by these marginalized and intellectually challenged children, who tend to be neglected in the broader societal context. This painting is inspired by the weaving patterns of Bengal’s traditional Shitalpati.
Blind Conscience
Ratnashawar Sutradhwar
Installation (Photography, painting)
In our city, stray dogs are being killed and eliminated in savage and ruthless ways in terms of protecting the city dwellers from rabies disease. It is needless to say that rabies is a fatal disease which can be transmitted by the biting of crazy dogs. But the corruption of our society is much crazier than that of deadly rabies. All of our achievements as an independent developing country are being vandalized by the mischievous acts of some greedy corrupt citizens. They belong to every sphere of our society like deadly viruses. This is far more important to evacuate and punish these demon-like greedy and corrupt people rather than humiliating the poor stray dogs and rescue our society as well as country.
