Korail Chronicles: 'Against All Odds' project finds its way to Paris

"Against All Odds", a craft-based art project centred around the story of resilience of Dhaka's Korail Slum, has found its way to France. The project is being featured at the "Révélations International Fine Craft & Creation Biennial" at the Grand Palais in Paris, as part of its"Bangladesh Banquet" segment.

The event ran from May 21 to May 25, showcasing crafts and applied art from around the world. The "Against All Odds" project has been curated by Suborna Morsheada, with support from Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation.

The project featured craft installations made using materials that were found and recycled in Korail. Three of the major installations included a large quilt stitched together, featuring images of the daily life of Korail's many residents; a phoenix, sculpted from various waste materials, to symbolise renewal and strength and dream catchers, woven with the aspirations of the Korail community.

The main intention behind the "Against All Odds" project is to shift the narratives surrounding slum life, to portray Korail as a thriving community that is defined by their ingenuity, craftsmanship and strength.

Other artists who contributed to the installments included Md Sajedul Haque, Utpal Bhowmik, Arabinda Halder, Fatema Islam, Shati Akter, Subs Raj, Monika Akter and Nazneen Nahar.