Echoes of Existence: When sarcasm gets the message across

Using pop art, line drawings and iconic imagery, Ripon Saha invites viewers to take a look at human identity while exploring socio-political issues

November 5, 2024, 5:15 PM

Last modified: November 5, 2024, 5:37 PM

Photo: Mehedi Hasan

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Photo: Mehedi Hasan

The piece ‘Eco of Existence 3’ is probably the first work of art that attracted me. After all, it depicts the iconic scene from the movie ‘Titanic’, but instead of the ship, Jack and Rose are standing on a whale. And in the whale’s mouth is a shopping cart.

At first glance, this piece seems undeniably a bit nonsensical. But the meaning becomes clearer the longer you look at it. The iconic scene is a symbol of the commercial success of a film based on a tragedy, and yet the ocean itself has been neglected.

Similarly, all the pieces in the exhibition seemed quite simple yet silly, but in fact they are striking commentary on society, with a particular emphasis on political and environmental themes.

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Artist Ripon Saha’s exhibition, ‘Echoes of Existence’, curated by Wakilur Rahman, showcases a collection of his works created over the past three years, with each piece telling a striking message. The exhibition started on October 26 and ends on November 11.

Photo: Mehedi Hasan

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Photo: Mehedi Hasan

Using pop art, line drawings and iconic images, the artist invites viewers to take a glimpse into human identity while exploring socio-political issues.

They go beyond mere visual images; they criticize, analyze and reveal the deeper layers of human existence. The collection of pieces truly reflects the change over time as it spans three years through changing themes throughout the gallery.

Curator Wakilur Rahman mentions how political unrest, especially during the July Uprising, had brought events such as exhibitions to a temporary halt. Now the gallery owners are moving on and Rahman felt Saha’s bold work was relevant.

“We have been watching Ripon’s work for some time,” says Wakilur Rahman.
Ripon’s range of subjects allowed the curator to present an exhibition that explored different themes, keeping the audience engaged. It was remarkably neat and yet pleasantly colorful.

Photo: Mehedi Hasan

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Photo: Mehedi Hasan

Another piece that caught my attention in the halls of Kala Kendra humorously depicted a meaningful message: three monkeys sitting atop a giant banana, each covering their ears, mouth or eyes – an illustration of the proverb “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”

The banana itself, which grows from a hand and turns into a tree, symbolizes the proverb ‘Angul fuley kolagach’ (which roughly translates to the proverb: from rags to riches), referring to people who gain influence unjustly, while the society ignores their misdeeds. . This piece delivered a sharp message about social issues that we see so often that it has become a common sight, a recipe for socio-economic and political disaster.

The piece creates a striking image of the true meaning of the proverb and almost acts as a mirror reflecting back on society. Despite the fact that it is made with a bit of sarcasm, the fact that it addresses a very real issue makes it an enjoyable piece.

Similar to this, another painting depicted a watch, but from the oars two people emerged and eventually embraced each other when they met. It symbolizes how time brings people together.

Reality is different for everyone; we all carry the echo of our unique perspectives. Human struggles may fade with time, but they remain true and find expression in the world. The varied art in Kala Kendra’s exhibition speaks to this struggle and acknowledges the untold stories.

Sketch: TBS

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Sketch: TBS