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Chobi mela X fellows to explore the homogeneity and dissonance of parallel expansion

BY Priyanka Chowdhury | February 24, 2019

Preparations at Pathshala Under Construction Building on 20th February 2019 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo by Toukir Ahmed Tanvee / Chobi Mela X Chobi Mela, the international festival of photography since its inception in 2000 has been the most significant photographic event in Asia, and the first of a regular biennale, one that has become one of the highlights of the Asian calendar. It is organised by Drik Picture Library Ltd. and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. The Tenth edition of Chobi Mela will be held from February 28 till March 9, 2019. This photo may only be used after consultation with the Chobi Mela Festival and/or the author. The delivery is according to our terms and conditions. A voucher copy is requested. Chobi Mela X Team, 2019 ©

The concept of the parallel universe is fascinating. The fellows of this year’s Chobi Mela are set to constitute a reality that may or may not be a reflection of their current state. The site- specific projects touch base with the spirit, consciousness of the Homo sapiens and investigate the theme Place. While the fellow artists are the creators, the nurturer is artist and curator Zihan Karim.

He explains the concept mathematically. He says “A” is the expansion where we are the present amid various materials and events. “B” is the imaginary expansion where various events may occur and “C “is the homogeneity and dissonance of “A” and “B” where they exist parallel to each other for a definite or indefinite time. If reality is stranger than fiction would the parallel image of our reality project a rather simple story? 

To Karim, the concept spurred from a simple curiosity. He tried to portray a planet which he has never seen. He gave Mars as an example. He wondered how far he could run his imagination to constitute a reality of an imaginary space. “Chobi Mela X was a perfect space to relieve my once bottled up idea,” Karim said in his blissful tone. The concept took shape from repeated tea “addas” to coincide with the theme “Place” and Karim’s parallel expansion. Like any site specific project, there are constrains of time for the artists who work full time or are students.

Preparation of the "Fellow" exhibition at under-construction building of Pathshala on 19th February 2019 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo by Sebi Berens / Chobi Mela X Chobi Mela, the international festival of photography since its inception in 2000 has been the most significant photographic event in Asia, and the first of a regular biennale, one that has become one of the highlights of the Asian calendar. It is organised by Drik Picture Library Ltd. and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. The Tenth edition of Chobi Mela will be held from February 28 till March 9, 2019. This photo may only be used after consultation with the Chobi Mela Festival and/or the author. The delivery is according to our terms and conditions. A voucher copy is requested. Chobi Mela X Team, 2019 ©

The fellow programme of Chobi Mela aims to support new media artists of Bangladesh to develop their independent projects entailing experimentation and expansion. Artists from different backgrounds of painting, drawing, architecture, sculpture, photography, video, sound and installations will expand the possibilities of the medium and test the language of manifestations. Concepts such as capitalism; the state, desolation, mental state, identity, visual souvenir, discovery of self, education and data translation of motion make up a whole new reality in the underground of the unbuilt immeuble of Chobi Mela X.

Photo: Toukir Ahmed Tanvee,Sebi Berens | ChobiMela X