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A solo exhibition by French artist Flavien Martinel, titled “Realms of Curiosity”, opened at Galerie Zoom of Alliance Française de Dhaka on Saturday, bringing together 30 works inspired by his observations, emotions, memories and everyday experiences.
The exhibition, inaugurated at 5:30pm, will remain open to visitors until October 9.
The exhibition presents selected works from Martinel’s existing body of work, offering an insight into his artistic practice and the themes that have influenced his work over the years.
Moving between places, states of mind and personal encounters, Martinel transforms moments from everyday life into expressive compositions through drawing and painting.
His works draw inspiration from diverse observations, ranging from news and events that challenge his beliefs to encounters with stray dogs, birds seen in their unattainable freedom, and quieter moments of boredom and introspection.
Through spontaneous brushwork and varied techniques, “Realms of Curiosity” explores unexpected details of everyday life. Rather than following a single narrative, the exhibition invites viewers to move through different impressions, memories and fragments of experience.
The exhibition also forms part of Martinel’s month-long artistic residency in Dhaka. During his residency, he will engage with the city and its surroundings, explore new ideas and develop his artistic practice while connecting with local audiences through creative activities.
As part of the residency, Martinel conducted a Graffiti & 3D Lettering Workshop at Alliance Française de Dhaka on September 25 and 26.
The hands-on workshop introduced participants to graffiti, lettering and calligraphy through experimentation and visual expression. Participants explored basic graffiti techniques, lettering and calligraphy, 3D effects, light and shadow, outlines and fills, and creative approaches to rethinking alphabets.
The workshop reflected Martinel’s interest in experimentation and visual communication, encouraging participants to view graffiti not only as a technique but also as a means of communication and creative interpretation.
The exhibition will conclude with a live concert by Martinel and his partner, Manmeet Kaur.
The two artists, who work together as CITOPIR, will bring together visual art and music in a performance combining music, rap, images and live interaction.
The closing performance will offer audiences another perspective on their collaborative artistic practice, connecting the visual and musical elements of their work.
Through his residency, exhibition and workshop, Martinel is combining artistic research, personal observation and creative exchange, giving Dhaka audiences an opportunity to explore his work while engaging directly with his artistic process.