!!!

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.