“Against All Odds” is a multi-faceted, craft-based art project by Suborna Morsheada, supported by Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation (DBF). It captures the indomitable spirit, resilience, and hope of the Korail slum community in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Through a series of intricate artworks crafted from recycled materials, the project explores how a marginalized community adapts, transforms, and thrives amidst adversity.
By merging traditional Bengali craft techniques with contemporary artistic forms, “Against All Odds” challenges stereotypes of slum life and celebrates the resourcefulness, creativity, and aspirations of Korail’s residents. The project is being exhibited as part of the ‘Bangladesh Banquet’ at the Révélations International Fine Craft & Creation Biennial, held at the Grand Palais in Paris from May 21 to 25, 2025.
Event Name: Révélations International Fine Craft & Creation Biennial
Dates: May 21 to May 25, 2025
Location: Grand Palais
Address: 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris
Official Website
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Craft talk | Révélations 2025
Date: May 21, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
BACKGROUND: THE KORAIL SLUM
Korail, one of the largest slums in Dhaka, borders Gulshan and Banani, two of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods. Despite the stark contrast in living conditions, the community within Korail is defined not by deprivation but by resilience, ingenuity, and an enduring sense of hope. Home to thousands, its residents face the daily challenges of poverty, overcrowding, and limited resources, yet they demonstrate incredible adaptability and perseverance in their pursuit of a better future.
The majority of Korail’s inhabitants are engaged in low-income professions, with approximately 77.2% working in informal roles such as domestic workers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, garment factory workers, and day laborers. Additionally, the community takes pride in its local handicrafts, including jute products, woven textiles, and embroidered garments. Amid their challenges, the people of Korail — artisans, laborers, mothers, and children — embody the spirit of resilience. They find ways to coexist, support one another, and preserve their cultural identity, proving that even in the face of hardship, there is hope, creativity, and determination to dream of a better future.
“Against All Odds” challenges conventional narratives about slum communities, shifting the focus from deprivation to the strength, creativity, and hope that define the people of Korail. Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation (DBF) aims to showcase this narrative of the Korail community on a global stage, aligning with its mission to elevate the voices of marginalized communities.
This project seeks to foster a deeper understanding of community-driven urban development and cultural diversity. Suborna Morsheada draws inspiration from this vibrant community, using the art of craft to amplify their stories and voices. The project harnesses the very materials that symbolize the challenges of urban life— discarded plastic, scrap metal, fabric remnants, and wire — to create artworks that speak of transformation, strength, and possibility.
PROJECT ELEMENTS
1. “The Phoenix of Renewal”
Theme: Transformation and Rebirth
Materials: Scrap metal, Plastic bottles, Old wires, Poly packets, Fabric scraps, Stainless Steel pipe, Stainless steel road, Buckram fabric
Concept and Symbolism: This striking sculpture portrays a phoenix rising from recycled materials, symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and transformation. The wings, crafted from layered plastic bottles and metal scraps, capture the beauty of resilience — how something discarded can be reborn as a symbol of hope and strength. The phoenix represents the Korail community’s ability to rise above adversity. The use of recycled materials highlights their ingenuity and ability to transform hardship into hope. The dynamic wings signify freedom, growth, and the power to transcend challenges. “The Phoenix of Renewal” serves as a powerful metaphor for the people of Korail, who continuously adapt, transform, and rebuild their lives against all odds.
2. “Quilts of Resilience”
Theme: Everyday Life and Strength
Materials: Fabric scraps, Thread, Needles, Beads, Buttons, Jute cotton, Wool, Cyanotype print, Poly packets
Concept and Symbolism: “Quilts of Resilience” draws from the traditional kantha stitching technique, where each patch of the quilt narrates a story of daily life, collective strength, and mutual support. These textile art pieces capture scenes of:
-Children playing joyfully despite limited resources.
-Families sharing meals and creating moments of happiness.
-Women supporting each other, embodying solidarity.
-Artisans working together, displaying skill and dedication.
Each patch reflects the strength found in everyday moments. The stitches binding these patches reflect the ties of community and resilience, where individuals uplift one another to overcome challenges. The quilts preserve and share personal stories of perseverance, emphasizing how the people of Korail build a supportive and hopeful community.
3. “Threads of Hope”
Theme: Dreams and Aspirations
Materials: Poly packets, Fabric scraps, Cane, Buckram fabric, Cotton thread, Crochet work, Lace, Bamboo stick
Concept and Symbolism: “Threads of Hope” features a series of dream catchers crafted from recycled materials found within the Korail slum. These dream catchers, adorned with symbols like stars, hearts, and houses, represent the community’s dreams for a brighter future, stable homes, and family unity. Each piece is paired with a narrative or quote from a Korail resident, providing a personal window into their hopes and aspirations. Stars signify the dreams and goals that light up their lives. Hearts symbolize love, family, and community bonds and Houses represent the desire for security and stability. This installation emphasizes that despite the difficult circumstances, the people of Korail hold on to their dreams, weaving hope into the fabric of their lives with resilience and creativity.
List of Creators
Suborna Morsheada
Curator and Artist
Md Sajedul Haque
Co-Artist
Supporting Artists:
– Utpal Bhowmik
– Arabinda Halder
– Fatema Islam
– Shati Akter
– Subs Raj
– Monika Akter
– Nazneen Nahar
Shahriar Jamil Khan
Project Manager
