In today’s era when everyone is being dominated by screens and digital distractions, books seem to be fading from daily life. However, a group of visionary artists has stepped forward to revive their spirit, turning the book into a powerful medium of emotion, reflection and resilience.
Featuring 28 unique creations, a unique exhibition titled ‘Pustokaloy’ opened on September 27 at Britto Arts Trust Gallery in Dhaka’s Green Road area, reimagining books through embroidery, handwriting and print, where topics such as the stories of human in different territories, Sufi mysticism and borderland sorrows, to name a few, are woven together in visual and tactile form.
Participating artists include Akhinoor Binte Ali, Al-Akhir Sarker, Aminul Islam Ashik, Anisuzzaman Sohel, Farah Naz Moon, Farhana Ferdausi, Farzana Haque, Jewel A. Rob, Jinnatun Jannat, Mahbubur Rahman, Mehedi Hasan, Mahmuda Siddika, Mohosin Kabir, Mokadesur Rahman, Rumana Rahman, Sarah Jabin, Sharad Das, Shimul Datta, Shimul Saha, Suborna Morsheada, Tayeba Begum Lipi and Yasmin Jahan Nupur, each lending a distinct voice and vision.
Co-curator and participating artist Mahmuda Siddika told The TIMES of Bangladesh that Britto Arts Trust has long been a space for experimentation and collaboration. “The workshops that preceded this exhibition enabled artists to create the form of the book as printmakers, observers, storytellers and philanthropists,” she said. “The book was not treated merely as an object but as a living form, a vessel to be folded, stitched, scribbled on.”
She added that the workshop became “a laboratory for invention,” where artists redefined the book as a medium of confrontation, intimacy and care. “By bringing these works together, Pustokaloy broadens the lineage of experimental book art, offering perspectives shaped by displacement, resilience and solidarity,” she said.
Artist Farah Naz Moon, who presented two works titled ‘Clap’ and ‘Bera’ (Fence), said, “Clap is part of my ongoing performance art series reflecting on how we perceive cities, how applause becomes an expression of our reactions to urban life. I tried to capture that through woodcut and print works.”
Speaking about Bera, she said, “The book’s cover is made with metal wire to symbolize borders and fences. It reflects how we, despite living in the same world, are divided physically and mentally. Through text, linocut, and hand drawings, I explored what these fences mean and what they might look like if I were a bird.”
Britto Arts Trust co-founder and artist Mahbubur Rahman, mentioned that the idea began in 2022 with a hands-on workshop. “The goal was not to create precious objects to be kept behind glass but to rediscover the book as a living, breathing form of art,” he explained. “Artists were encouraged to play with the very essence of the book, folding, stitching and drawing directly onto pages to turn them into personal and powerful stories.”
Rahman added that several of these handmade books had earlier been showcased in exhibitions in India, but this is their first collective presentation in Bangladesh. “It’s difficult to put into words how fulfilling it feels to see so many diverse, meaningful stories come alive through these works,” he said.
The exhibition will remain open at Britto Arts Trust, Green Road, Dhaka, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm every day until October 18.
