Window to a Forest: Restoring colours to the city

With a vision to reinstate the lost colours of the city, three individuals, Dibarah Mahboob, Juneyna Frances Kabir and Shehzad Chowdhury, came together a few months ago to paint murals on Dhaka streets. Located on Mosque road (between road no 29 and 30), New DOHS, Mohakhali, this 70-feet painting is conceptualised on the thought, ‘Window to a Forest’, aiming to remind the city-dwellers about the relationship between humankind and nature.

“We had to face some challenges initially. Getting permission from the authorities, finding sponsorships, and locating artists who want to contribute to such a cause was something we were worried about. However, these issues were solved rather quickly,” says Juneynah Francis Kabir.

The idea was presented to Senior Vice President of Mohakhali DOHS council, Group Captain Akkas (Retired), who agreed to it instantly.  Alavee Hossain and Fahad Chowdhury from #teamfalavee funded the project. “We need a greener environment if we want to fight climatic changes. I believe, colours can play the role of an alarm when it comes to reminding us about the importance of nature,” asserts Dibarah Mahboob.

Seven artists, namely Nuzhat Tabassum, Aabir Khalid, Sayeef Mahmud, Saiqa S Chowdhury, Dibarah Mahboob, Taiara Farhana Tareque and Shehzad Chowdhury participated in this initiative. Each artist had to work for 6 days to complete this painting in due time.

“Bringing a vivid refreshing piece of art in the neighbourhood helps rediscover the nature, especially if one is living in a pale concrete jungle like Dhaka,” concludes Shehzad, who is looking forward to painting more murals soon.