Nalini: An ode to Buriganga

Every art exhibition has a piece that stands out, and in Julia Bebrao Sendra's 'Nalini', it was a strikingly simple yet meaningful setup—two bowls filled with water, a selection of colourful, hand-made soaps, and a traditional 'Gamcha' cloth.

Unlike typical exhibitions where art is meant to be observed from a distance, this installation invites visitors to interact with it by washing their hands, offering a rare hands-on experience.

But beneath this interactive element lies a thought-provoking message. As the soaps gradually dissolve with each wash, the piece subtly reflects the gradual harm humans inflict on the environment. At the same time, it serves as a poignant reminder of our duty to protect and preserve water resources before they slip away. This interactive artwork transforms a simple act of cleaning into a profound reflection on environmental fragility and human impact.

During her three-month residency, Julia stayed at the Brittha Art Foundation in Hazaribagh, Dhaka. 

Julia, a French-Brazilian artist, grapples with cultural identity through her work. Her project 'Nalini' reflects her exploration of personal displacement and universal environmental connection. 

She views water as a metaphorical and literal medium that transcends cultural boundaries—both a creator and destroyer of life—inviting people to cherish and protect the environment.

"People often overlook the Buriganga River, treating it as just another part of the landscape. They pollute it without understanding the harsh consequences," said the artist and printmaker. 

"Through my work, I wanted to pay homage to the Buriganga and the lives of those who reside along its banks."

She has an innovative approach to life, creating art with whatever materials she has. When her mother gave her medical boxes before temporarily moving to Bangladesh, she transformed them into canvases, painting scenes inspired by her time spent in Puran Dhaka and Hazaribagh.

She created a series using matchboxes, broken bangles, flowers, and 'gamchas.' 

"I collect objects from spaces where people socialise and share ideas," she said. "Through this work, I wanted to show the connection between men and women and highlight the need for balance. Social spaces in Dhaka are often male-dominated, and I wanted to address that."

'Nalini' means lotus, a flower that grows in polluted water, symbolising that art can emerge from any environment. The exhibition runs until 27 January at Alliance Française de Dhaka's Dhanmondi branch.

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