"Epar-Opar," translating to the mystical alternate of extremes, unfolds as a narrative that transcends the present into the afterlife, stretching from one bank of the river to the other. It exists in the duality of emotions, physical space, and time.
In the winter of 2010, the tranquil ambiance of Sowarighat became my refuge from the challenges of student life. Amidst this serenity, a mysterious encounter unfolded. A voice inquired about a lost daughter, and the watery sparkle in the eyes of the seeker left a lasting impression. His relentless search for the missing girl continued, questioning every stranger he encountered.
As the person disappeared from my sight, the lingering mystery persisted. Beyond Eid, the man tirelessly traverses the riverbank, engrossed in the quest for his lost daughter. The narrative unfolds through characters and events, capturing the essence of reality, while the unexplored dimensions remain a realm of imagination manifested in my drawings and narrative. "Epar-Opar" becomes a tale that stretches beyond borders, exploring the intricate interplay of the seen and the unseen.
Shamim Ahmed Chowdhury
Epar-opar
Commissioned by Brihatta Art Foundation for River Heritage_ বুড়িগঙ্গা Project 2023
Courtesy of the Artist, Brihatta Art Foundation
video link of the exhibition : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw3oJU6jg9g&t=1s
