D’LAB 2017 Exhibition Note:
As part of the 21-day Dhaka Live Art Biennale (D’LAB) 2019, three thoughtfully curated exhibitions were organized to extend the language of performance art and deepen engagement with audiences and the broader art community. These exhibitions not only celebrated the essence of live art but also served as a reflection of Back ART Foundation’s larger vision and long-term projects. The opening exhibition at Zainul Gallery revisited the 2017 edition of D’LAB through a vivid reimagining by artist Shah Rubel. Colors, images, and materials from earlier performances were transformed into immersive installations, turning color itself into a medium of interaction, memory, and dimension. At Edge–Courtyard Gallery, a collective show titled Urban Hours showcased works from three editions of an urban-focused art project. Artist Emran Sohel curated the environment using raw iron structures from construction sites, framing real artworks, installations, and documentation to narrate the story of urban life and its complexities. The final exhibition, held at Edge–Water Garden Gallery, reactivated the earlier themes with added exclusive performances by local and international D’LAB artists. This vibrant cultural gathering blended installation, performance, and community spirit—offering a shared ritual space and affirming D’LAB’s core mission: to hold space for all kinds of live art and evolving artistic exchange.
Photo credit: Nowsher Roman, Faisal Jafar, Samiran Chakraborty
Ishtiaque Ahmed Foisal, and Emran Sohel.