Installation by Nupur addresses social disparity

Nupur with her installation “Revised Dress Code.”Photo: Mumit M.

Artist Yeasmin Jahan Nupur attained attention for her political satires on canvas. Nupur has switched to a different medium and new theme: installation featuring social discrimination. And for her first installation on the subject, Nupur has won an honourable mention at the ongoing Asian Art Biennale '08 organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Nupur's installation titled "Revised Dress Code" features the situation involving children belonging to different social classes. The figures in the instillation are wearing long colourful attire as children usually do. Colour combination and quality of the clothes are same, however, different motifs have been used, referring to children from different social backgrounds, facing diverse issues.
"I got the idea for the installation while working with children at Barguna and Patuakhali. I saw teenage girls with children, burdened with domestic issues. I recalled my childhood and tried to compare my formative years with theirs. I realised that there is a big difference between the issues I faced growing up and theirs. But I presume my childhood is also totally different from one belonging to the higher class," Nupur said.
"To address the urgency of minimising the disparity between the classes, I've tied one clothe to another. All children should get the same privileges," she added.
Nupur informed that she wants to continue working on installations. She said, "I enjoy this medium as it presents a three-dimensional image. To me installation is more communicative. Winning this award has motivated me to do better. At the same time I'd like to continue with painting."
A graduate from the Department of Fine Arts, Chittagong University, Nupur began her career as a painter. "My paintings are like journals. Taking clues from the daily life, I try to address social issues in my work," the artist said.