Award-winning painter, printmaker and sculptor Wakilur Rahman has been addressing social issues through his artworks since the early eighties. He is one of the founding members of the art group, 'Shomoy', which initiated a discourse on contemporary art in Bangladesh. He also runs the non-profit art gallery, Kala Kendra. Rahman spent a significant amount of time in East Germany, where he experienced the initial years of German unification. Although he is self-isolating at the moment, he has taken to social media to showcase his different projects, created with home objects. In a recent chat with The Daily Star, the artist shares what he has been up to.

As isolation has become the need of the hour, how are you, as an artist, coping with the current crisis we are going through?

Initially, the crisis was truly shocking for me, since I am an outgoing person who follows a busy schedule. But I recognise that I am privileged to have a comfortable home. I feel that I am getting to know my own house and surroundings quite closely. The empty spaces have sparked my imagination and creativity.

Was it a conscious decision to make social media your provisional space of exhibition at this time?

 Not really. I always share my artistic interventions on my social media accounts. Now that I am staying at home, I have started to explore the space, both physically and psychologically. I have never experienced the evening light in my living space, because I am hardly ever at home! I am spending more time with the objects that I have collected over time, and it has been a fascinating experience so far.

Wakilur Rahman's work from everyday objects.

What are some of the projects and concepts that you have recently worked on?

Initially, I made some romantic drawings on photographs, exploring concepts like clouds in my living room and the light and shade on different objects. I have also used my own reality as the central subject in some of the works. As the thought of the virus is constantly at the back of my mind, my own body feels unknown to me. I am compelled to wash my hands over and over again. I have also made installations with objects that I usually use, such as my suitcases. They are a symbol of my desire to travel and explore different places. The other objects in my home collection have histories of their own, but placing them in a certain pattern gives them a different meaning. I like working with the seemingly banal objects around me.  

How else are you spending your time at home?

I have been getting in touch with my old friends and I have turned to cooking. I have also been educating myself on different kinds of music. Lately, I have been listening to sounds of the Sahara Desert, as an alternative to my physical travelling.

Do you think the isolation could help artistes to discover different ideas?

We are facing an unsolicited situation at the moment. However, it does have certain benefits. Usually when artistes are under pressure with serving the consumers and with biennales and festivals around the globe, they have less time for self-reflection. Realistically speaking, we waste a lot, both in art and in life. But now, we are becoming more mindful of every step we take. I believe that it is the right time to practice minimalism – and numerous artistes can embrace this approach. For instance, poets just need a piece of paper and a pencil to pour their hearts out.  

Wakilur Rahman's work from everyday objects.

How would you like to see the art scene change in a post COVID-19 world?

Although we are hoping for good changes, our reality is fragile and unpredictable right now. Several artists are exploring the virtual space for different opportunities, but essentially, we need to have an integrated society and dialogues about investments. Freelance artists who enjoy the independence in the virtual space may also have to rethink their ideas. We also don't know if art institutions will ever run in the same way again.