Epic Journey of a Migratory Bird: Where wings meet canvas

There's a unique charm in unconventional talents who discover their passion and bring it to life on a canvas, despite undergoing little to no formal institutional training. Perhaps it's the freedom from structured curricula which allows their creativity to flow unrestrained.

Gallery founder Saifur Rahman Lenin believes this unconventional, unorthodox approach defines artist Syed Golam Dastagir's solo exhibition, 'Epic Journey of a Migratory Bird', where landscapes are visualised through the perspective of a bird.

For Dastagir, this project was born from a lifelong dream of being a bird—not merely for the thrill of flight, but for the boundless freedom it embodies as it soars across the skies. Even more profound is what the migratory bird represents— resilience, courage, and connection—a life unconfined by walls, borders, or divisions.

However, these symbolic undertones aren't immediately evident when you step into the exhibition at Lalmatia's Bhumi Gallery. The artwork appears to be aerial,  a bird's-eye view of landscapes—reminiscent of the skylines and terrain glimpsed through the window of an aeroplane moments before landing in a foreign destination.

It's only gradually that the deeper themes of the exhibition come into focus—the notion of unbounded freedom and the artist's reflection on the divisions imposed by borders. For a creature of freedom, the migratory bird's journey transcends barriers.

What truly stood out to me and added a delightful touch to the overall viewer experience of the exhibition was the inclusion of poems—likely reflections or inner monologues of the artist while creating specific paintings on display. 

This approach allowed viewers to form their own interpretations of the artworks and provided a glimpse into the artist's mindset. I would argue that the accompanying poetry was an art form in itself, at times even surpassing the paintings they were paired with.

Another way the exhibition felt inclusive and immersive was the incorporation of tactile elements in the artworks, creating a "touch and feel" experience. This thoughtful addition seemed intended to accommodate visitors with visual impairments, allowing them to explore the landscapes through touch. 

The tactile experience made of synthetic elements, resin or other natural elements, gave a sense of almost three-dimensionality to the otherwise two-dimensional paintings, offering a deeper understanding of the terrain depicted—as though seen through the eyes of the migratory birds. 

Touching these pieces, of course with the utmost care, provided a unique way to grasp the topography of the locations portrayed.

The paintings shared a vibrant energy, showcasing unique landscapes and striking contrasts. Some pieces depicted lush green terrains with winding paths cutting through rolling hills, where layered textures conveyed the ruggedness of natural landscapes. 

The interplay of light and shadow, combined with a dramatic sky, evoked movement and anticipation, symbolising life's journey or migration.

Other works juxtaposed yellow-hued desert landscapes with serene blue coastal scenes, emphasising contrasting environments. The textured sand in the desert suggested resilience, while the coastal fluidity exuded a calmness. Together, they highlighted the Earth's diverse beauty and its interconnected elements. 

Overall, the collection captured the intricate balance between nature's variety and the artist's imagination. The exhibition is open to all till 14 January.

TBS Picks

Epic Journey of a Migratory Bird- 15

Medium: Synthetic resin with natural elements and acrylic on canvas

The painting immerses viewers in a surreal landscape dominated by shades of red, pink, and orange. The textured elements making up rocky formations, break through the otherwise smooth gradients of the sky-like background.

The layered warm tones evoke the warmth of a desert sunset or the fiery glow of a distant, imagined horizon, while the occasional purples and golds add a touch of mystique. The piece balances abstraction with realism through its three-dimensional textures, drawing attention to the soft hues and earthy elements. 

Epic Journey of a Migratory Bird- 1

Medium: Acrylic on canvas  

The canvas portrays yet another aerial view of a landscape illuminated by intricate networks of glowing orange roads set against a deep blue and green background. The artist juxtaposes the natural and the constructed, symbolising humanity's imprint on the Earth.  

The painting carries a dreamlike quality, emphasising both movement and stillness. Artistically, the dynamic interplay between the warm tones of the roads and the cool, dark tones of the environment draws the viewer's eye across the canvas, echoing the theme of exploration.

Epic Journey of a Migratory Bird- 7

Medium: Synthetic resin with natural elements and acrylic on canvas

Dominated by earthy reds, serene blues, and lush greens, the painting resembles an aerial view of a fragmented, dreamlike landscape. The painting also emphasises the interconnectedness and diversity of Earth's terrains.

It celebrates the Earth's beauty while hinting at its fragility, offering a poetic narrative of connection and exploration.

Syed Golam Dastagir. Sketch: TBS