East London-based Revolution Gallery is on a mission to showcase and platform Bangladesh’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Its latest project, showing at Woolwich Works, features works by around 20 practitioners currently shaping the country’s artistic landscape.
Bangladesh Brush Strokes: Masters & Mavericks features works by leading names Zainul Abedin, SM Sultan, Quamrul Hassan, and Rashid Choudhury, as well as avant-garde talents breaking pre-existing boundaries. Above all, it’s a celebration of the country’s rich cultural heritage and drive.
Ahead of the exhibition’s week-long run at Woolwich Works, we spoke to Victor Francis, director of Revolution Gallery, to find out more…
Holly O’Mahony (HOM): Firstly, what inspired your exhibition championing works by Bangladeshi artists?
Victor Francis (VF): The exhibition was inspired by our passion for art and our roots in Bangladesh.
I am originally from Bangladesh, and, as a lifelong art enthusiast, partnering with my friend Farhadul Islam, who is a Bangladeshi art collector, motivated us to organise this exhibition.
We had been contemplating this exhibition for quite some time, and when we received support from other collectors in Bangladesh, we approached Woolwich Works to host the event.
HOM: The artists whose work you’re showing are all contemporary. Why did you choose to focus on these particular artists?
VF: In this exhibition, we have six master artists who initiated the Bangladeshi art movement: Zainul Abedin, SM Sultan, Quamrul Hassan, Rashid Choudhury, Mohammad Kibria, and Murtaja Baseer.
Additionally, we are featuring 11 avant-garde talents who are currently shaping Bangladesh’s art landscape.
Our focus on these artists is not only a celebration of their artistic brilliance but also an acknowledgment of the rich cultural background that fuels their creativity.
HOM: The exhibition is showing at Woolwich Works for a week. Is it showing anywhere else?
VF: We’re hoping to hold another exhibition in March, which will take place in Dorset. However, the exact venue for the March exhibition has not been finalised yet.
A piece from the Bangladesh Brushstrokes exhibition at Woolwich Works
HOM: What do you hope visitors take away from seeing the show?
VF: We hope that visitors take away a deep appreciation for the diversity and talent within Bangladesh’s contemporary art scene. We want them to be inspired by the creative expressions of these artists and gain a greater understanding of the cultural and artistic heritage that informs their work. Ultimately, we hope the exhibition sparks curiosity and fosters a sense of connection with the art and its creators.
HOM: Tell us about your organisation, Revolution Gallery? What’s your mission?
VF: Revolution Gallery is a platform that seeks to promote and celebrate art, particularly the art of Bangladesh.
We aim to showcase the work of both established and emerging artists, providing them with opportunities to exhibit their creations.
Our mission is to connect artists with art enthusiasts and collectors, fostering a vibrant and thriving art community. This exhibition is just one of our initiatives to support and spotlight the artistic talents of Bangladesh.
Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD.
November 12 – 18, 12pm – 6pm.
Admission: FREE, no booking required.
www.woolwich.works/events/bangladeshi-brush-strokes-masters-mavericks-exhibition
