Art For Cause: Chapter 1

Action may speak louder than words, but art can speak even louder. It can provide a resonating voice for everyone; especially the ones who are bounded by society, the ones who reside in the constant fear of persecution and the ones who have to make their living in an unknown land.

For centuries, art has played a vital role in communication. For instance, Shilpacharja Zainul Abedin had drawn a series of paintings titled ''Famine'' which made the entire world think about the devastating conditions of West Bengal. Then there's S M Sultan who beautifully portrayed the importance of Bangladesh's labourers.

Art For Cause: Chapter 1, held this year from July 13 to 15 at Dhaka's Drik Gallery, was an art exhibition where 30 of the most talented young Bangladeshi artists came together to raise public awareness regarding the Rohingya crisis. It aimed to put a fresh perspective on the everyday problems faced by the Rohingyas, from food shortages to lack of sanitation.

As the world develops, globalisation and urbanisation are inevitable. These may lead to a loss of culture. This exhibition also hoped to ensure that today's teenagers can truly appreciate Bangladesh's prolific culture and heritage.

''Don't lose yourself in the photograph, loose yourself in your creativity and project the emotions that only you feel,'' Rosabella Kabir, one of the partaking artists, expressed.