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Alliance Française de Dhaka is set to present “The Song of Agony: Arishadvarga”, a solo exhibition by Bangladeshi artist Dr Abu Kalam Shamsuddin, opening on Friday, October 2, at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka.
Drawing inspiration from Indian philosophical traditions, the exhibition explores Arishadvarga, also known as Shadripu, which identifies six inner enemies of human nature: Kama (lust or excessive desire), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (delusion or attachment), Mada (pride or arrogance) and Matsarya (jealousy).
Through a series of paintings, the artist examines how these impulses influence human behaviour, shape relationships and affect the balance between humanity and nature.
Rooted in the philosophical understanding of the self, the exhibition invites audiences to confront the less visible dimensions of human nature. By translating these inner conflicts into visual expressions, Dr Abu Kalam Shamsuddin encourages viewers to reflect on their desires, actions and responsibilities.
“I feel that, as an artist, I also have a responsibility towards the environment and the world,” the artist says.
Extending beyond individual introspection, “The Song of Agony: Arishadvarga” draws attention to the consequences of unchecked human desires and self-centred behaviour on the natural environment.
The artist highlights how ignorance, attachment and the pursuit of personal interests can contribute to environmental degradation, deforestation and the disruption of ecological balance. His works encourage greater awareness of the need to protect forests, preserve wildlife and safeguard natural habitats for future generations.
The exhibition also reflects the artist’s sustained engagement with painting traditions and material experimentation. Inspired by the techniques of Ajanta cave paintings and Thangka painting, Dr Abu Kalam Shamsuddin combines contemporary materials with layered, textured surfaces to develop a distinctive visual language.
Using materials such as sand, mud, zinc oxide and acrylic paint, he creates tactile surfaces and asymmetrical compositions that give physical form to complex psychological and philosophical ideas.
His restrained palette of earthy browns, muted blues, yellow-greens and shades of gold further enriches the visual narrative. Through the interplay of colour, texture and form, the paintings explore themes of consciousness, conflict, transformation and spiritual awakening.
The use of gold, in particular, evokes the possibility of inner transformation and the pursuit of greater self-awareness.
Reflecting on the intention behind his work, the artist says, “The exhibition seeks to reveal the hidden connections between human desires, our behaviour, and the natural world, encouraging us to recognise and reconsider the consequences of our actions.”
Through “The Song of Agony: Arishadvarga”, Dr Abu Kalam Shamsuddin brings together philosophical reflection, artistic experimentation and environmental consciousness.
The exhibition offers viewers an opportunity to engage with the complexities of human nature while considering how greater self-awareness and collective responsibility can contribute to a more balanced relationship with the world around us.
Exhibition Details
Opening: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 6:00pm, Exhibition dates: October 3–13, 2026, Visiting hours: Daily, 3:00pm–9:00pm, Venue: La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, Address: 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka,
Admission: Open to all.