Bangla Calligraphy on Antique Documents 20th

Arham ul Huq Chowdhury

In my pursuit in various facets of arts and knowledge I came to initiate Bangla calligraphy, going further into it I found dimensions being added on the way. In that process of doing Bangla calligraphy: searching for age old idioms, phrases, riddles and sayings which resonates with deeper meaning and going further this time I have tried adding another layer to the visual representation of the ancient words of wisdom. In doing Bangla calligraphy I have always strived to represent and do justice to the power and meaning of the sayings as rightfully as I possibly can, other than doing research on the proverbs have tried using various types of handmade – natural material papers of various textures and colours to bring out the energy of the proverbs. On that journey this time I have attempted tobring further meaning to them with old – antique documents, this to me means a lot. At the present day world we are trying to be as environmentally sustainable as possible and preserve heritage and bring it forward to all. These old documents may have lost their original purpose and are in the process of disintegration but like the age old proverbs they are special and can still be appreciated and has a lot to say and offer to us. This, my 20^th solo exhibition consists of 31 Bangla calligraphy works done on variety of antique documents ranging from the East India Company to various colonial periods including from Queen Victoria up till Pakistan time. Ancient idioms on vintage documents to me are unique testaments, hence this series “Decorated Deeds”.