Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier71 hosted the 11th edition of their artist talk series, Cosmos Art Echo, on Saturday. The session featured distinguished Bangladeshi artist, art educator, curator and researcher Bishwajit Goswami, who shared insights into his lifelong artistic journey and the evolving relationship between art, culture and identity.
The session, titled Metamorphosis, took place at the Cosmos Atelier71 Studio at Cosmos Centre in Malibagh. It brought together artists, students, educators and cultural enthusiasts for an in-depth discussion on transformation in artistic practice, cultural identity and contemporary visual language.
Drawing on his multidisciplinary, research-based practice, Goswami reflected on his artistic evolution. He said nothing had been able to stand in the way of his journey of transformation. He explained that his work revolves around six foundational elements: Ma, Mati, Manush, Bhasha, Swadesh and Prokriti, representing mother, soil, people, language, motherland and nature.
Through these interconnected themes, he explores collective identity while embracing collaboration, site-responsive methodologies and sustained dialogue with artisans and communities across Bangladesh and abroad.
Goswami said his creative practice is deeply rooted in nature, drawing inspiration from the tides, the roar of the sea and the first light of day entering his studio. Reflecting on his role as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, he described teaching as a continuous learning process. He added that the enthusiasm of young students remains one of his greatest sources of inspiration.
Emphasising the social role of art, Goswami said artistic expression should be accessible to everyone, from rickshaw pullers to schoolchildren. Speaking about his curatorial practice, he said his work has consistently sought to present the richness of Bangladeshi culture to international audiences. He cited collaborations with institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Responding to a question about his vision for an inclusive society, Goswami said: “When I selected Hazaribagh Tannery as the site for the art space Brihatta, many warned me about the circumstances. I was determined to make art accessible to everyone, and now Brihatta has welcomed art enthusiasts from different sections of society.”
Goswami’s notable curatorial projects include Roots (2020) and Dyoidho (A Duality) (2023). His works have also been exhibited at prestigious international platforms, including the Venice Biennale, Dhaka Art Summit, Asia NOW Paris, Paris Internationale and the Setouchi Triennale.
Speaking at the programme, Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of Cosmos Foundation and Editor Emeritus of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), described transformation as an inseparable part of everyday life.
“Every day is a new day and every day is a battle. It is the only way forward to accept this battle with a positive mind. We all have an inborn mindset to create and to do something meaningful,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of an inclusive society, Khan said every child is born with artistic potential. He added that human progress has no limits because imagination knows no boundaries.
Hosted by Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, the session concluded with an interactive discussion between the speaker and the audience. The event also paid tribute to legendary artist Mustafa Monwar, who died on 29 June. A one-minute silence was observed in his memory, followed by the screening of a documentary on his life and work.
Enayetullah Khan also announced that the Cosmos Foundation would publish a research book on Mustafa Monwar to honour his artistic legacy.
Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury attended the programme, alongside artists, art educators, students and cultural enthusiasts from different institutions.
Launched under the Atelier71 Membership Programme, Cosmos Art Echo continues to promote dialogue, knowledge exchange and critical engagement with contemporary art through regular artist talks, workshops, art camps, film screenings, exhibitions and other cultural initiatives.
