The opening of a groundbreaking exhibition titled 'A Long Journey – Rohingya longing for their homeland.' This unique showcase is the result of a two-year collaboration between six Bangladeshi artists and around 300 Rohingya community artists and art facilitators from the Kutupalong Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.
The exhibition, organized under the project 'Development of Community Arts Against Rohingya Genocide in Bangladesh,' presents a poignant collection of artwork capturing the memory and testimonies of those affected by the 2017 genocide perpetrated against the Rohingya community by the Myanmar military.
Featuring pieces entirely created by Rohingya artists, the exhibition is divided into several themes. It begins with depictions of traditional Rohingya culture and identity in their native Arakan, or Rakhine State, through projects like 'In Search of Roots' and 'Embroidering Rohingya Stories,' which utilize embroidery, applique work, and traditional motifs.
Moving deeper, the exhibition vividly portrays the persecution and genocide experienced by the Rohingya community. Artworks like 'Tainsong' recount pre-genocide stories, while subsequent paintings such as 'Fire, Fear and Frustration' and 'Reflections of Resilience' express the anguish and resilience of the artists.
In addition to paintings, the exhibition includes two films created by newly trained Rohingya filmmakers, with technical assistance from the Bangladeshi team. Photographs with attached testimonial stories, titled 'Eyes that Witnessed Genocide' and 'Never Forget,' further contribute to the narrative.
The project's overarching goal is to empower the Rohingya community to share their stories with a wider audience and to document evidence of genocide and ethnic cleansing firsthand. Through art therapy and symbolic retribution, the exhibition fosters intergenerational storytelling, with younger community members visualizing stories passed down by their elders.
Curated by Md. Asif Imteaz (Tanu) and supported by the Global Initiative for Justice, Truth and Reconciliation (GIJTR), the exhibition is implemented by the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC) in partnership with the local Bangladeshi NGO Social Action for Voluntary Efforts (SAVE).
The inauguration, which took place on March 5, was hosted by Mr. Mizanur Rahman, Commissioner of Refugee Relief and Repatriation, and Mr. Mofidul Hoque, Trustee and Chair of the Liberation War Museum.
