Diplomatic Desk:
Alliance Française de Dhaka inaugurated a group art exhibition titled ‘Search Soul, Soil (In Search of Soil)’ on Saturday (18 July 2026). Curated by Kuntal Baroi, the exhibition features seven contemporary artists—Banani Simlai, Deepr Banik, Khaidem Sithi Sinha, Lutfa Mahmuda, Md. Faizul Islam, Md. Hashem and Rupashree Hajong—displaying their artworks.
Renowned architect Shamsul Wares and eminent artist Moinuddin Khaled were present as special guests at the inauguration ceremony held at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka.
The exhibition ‘Search Soul, Soil’ is a unique collection of artworks that explore the complex interrelationships between memory, landscape, cultural heritage and the environment. Drawing on personal experiences, local realities and deep observations, these artworks address contemporary environmental crises, climate change, biodiversity loss and questions of human existence in a new light. The exhibition encourages viewers to think about the interrelationships between nature, land and people in a new way.
The artists participating in the exhibition presented different aspects of the environment, memory and identity in their own artistic language. Banani Simlai highlighted the interrelationships between food, soil and human existence and the coexistence of humans with nature. Md. Faizul Islam expressed the negative impact of acid rain caused by industrialization and pollution on the environment, agriculture and biodiversity through art. Lutfa Mahmuda explored the psychological and cultural significance of migration, identity and the concept of ‘home’.
In addition, Khaidem Sithi Sinha highlights the deep relationship between culture and nature through traditional textiles and nature-based designs of the Manipuri community. Md. Hashem has transformed the erosion of mountains and fertile soil into a symbol of memory, resistance and survival. Rupashree Hajong has reimagined the folk customs, beliefs and spiritual relationship of the Hajong people with nature through needle and thread installations. On the other hand, Deepra Banik has explored the relationship between landscape, environment and nature changed by human intervention in her art practice.
The exhibition will continue till July 28, 2026. It will be open to visitors from 3 pm to 9 pm daily. The exhibition is being held at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road (Corner of Road No. 3), Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The organizers said that the exhibition is open to all visitors.
