Soma Suravi Jannat's Solo Exhibition at Ashmolean Museum Explores Sundarbans
Bangladeshi artist Soma Suravi Jannat has opened a solo exhibition titled 'Climate Culture Care' at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, UK. This exhibition, which features 22 works across several series, focuses on the Sundarbans, exploring the intricate relationship between people, nature, and animals. Jannat's artistic journey gained international recognition after winning the Samdani Art Award at the 2020 Dhaka Art Summit for her innovative drawings and installations. This award led to an invitation for an artist residency at the Ashmolean Museum, where she was inspired by the museum's vast collection of historical artifacts and artworks. During her residency, Jannat meticulously studied hundreds of miniatures, paintings, and sculptures, drawing inspiration for her contemporary creations. Her earlier work, 'In a Timeless Sweet Land,' painted before her residency, reflects nostalgic childhood memories and family warmth, providing a contrast to her later, residency-influenced pieces. The exhibition's theme, the Sundarbans, is explored through the series 'Where Every Leaf Holds a Tale,' which uses eight islands as metaphors for leaves, each containing numerous stories. These narratives encompass local folklore, social customs, animal life, human livelihoods, and the impact of human greed and inequality. Jannat's site-specific installation, 'She Carries the River in Her Skin,' is a 30-foot-long drawing created over 26 days, highlighting the vulnerability of marginalized communities, particularly women and children, in the face of environmental degradation and climate change. The exhibition also touches upon the Sundarbans' role as a natural protector, its unique ecosystem, and the threats it faces from human activities like pollution and industrial waste.
This exhibition showcases an artist's engagement with critical environmental and social themes, particularly concerning the Sundarbans. The artist's process, moving from personal experience and academic study to international residency and large-scale installations, demonstrates a sophisticated approach to art as a medium for dialogue. The focus on the Sundarbans highlights the complex interplay between ecological preservation, cultural heritage, and the livelihoods of local communities. The exhibition's narrative, weaving together natural elements, folklore, and human impact, prompts reflection on systemic vulnerabilities and the consequences of human actions on fragile ecosystems. It invites viewers to consider the long-term implications of climate change and unsustainable practices, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature and society.
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