August, 2003 - Abu Naser Robii

As an artist participating in the movement against the killing of students for bad politics at Chittagong University, my aim was to pay tribute to the victims and draw attention to this tragedy. I planned the movement by first identifying the date of the killing and then creating visual symbols to express the tribute. I sourced crops and accessories for future actions, including a banner for public demonstrations that would convey a specific message. I also developed a media strategy to communicate the intervention.

My project began with marking images of the tragedy on my way to the university and within the university grounds. I covered the front side of the building with a black cloth featuring a target sign and the date of the incident. I also marked the figure of a dead body on the ground of the university.

During the project, a student was head hit on the streets, which initiated a dialogue about the incident. People present at the scene observed the black cloth and the drawing. The situation quickly got out of control, and everyone had to escape the area. However, I then organized a gathering with the students in front of the university premises, and we reacted with a loud protest.

Despite the terrorist group attacking the protesters, the movement succeeded in drawing attention to the tragedy and encouraging a dialogue about the issue. Though the university authorities had to close down the university for three days due to the potential for further violence, I believe that this project was an important step in raising awareness and standing up against injustice.

As an emerging artist fresh out of art education, I created an installation and video art titled \”!!!\” in 2003. The inspiration behind this work stems from my desire to share my journey with the audience. Having spent over 10,000 hours commuting to and from the university, I learned more about the people and environment of my city than from my formal education. I wanted to convey this unique experience to the audience.

The installation features a jeep originally owned by me that underwent maintenance. I wrapped the engine in thin polythene to give it a new car-like appearance. This piece symbolizes my complex identity and relationship with my city. The videos projected on two televisions in front and back show unedited footage of my daily commute during my student life. One video shows my favorite seat next to the driver on the way to the university, and the other shows the way back.

I named the work \”!!!\” with three exclamation marks as a substitute for a traditional title. It was showcased at the \”Explosion 2003\” art show, which was planned by a group of young artists seeking to change the traditional course of art practice in Chittagong. My work was well-received by the audience, and it was accompanied by a large crowd of visitors during the exhibition.

I am grateful to fellow artist Moinul Alam for allowing me to use his car and artist Mahbubur Rahman for his help in recording the videos. Through \”!!!,\” I aim to share my unique journey as an emerging artist with the audience and spark meaningful discussions about the role of formal education in art practice.