Bangladeshi artist Dr. Abu Kalam Shamsuddin’s solo exhibition ‘The Song of Agony: Arishadvarga’ opened at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on Friday, exploring six inner forces of human nature and their impact on people, relationships and the natural environment.

Visual artist and Art Bangla Foundation Chairman Prof Mohammad Eunus, former Rajshahi University Faculty of Fine Arts professor Dr Siddhartha Shankar Talukder and Jagannath University Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Prof Dr Bazur Rashid Khan attended the opening ceremony.

Inspired by the Indian philosophical concept of Arishadvarga, also known as Shadripu, the exhibition focuses on Kama (excessive desire), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (delusion or attachment), Mada (pride) and Matsarya (jealousy).

Through a series of paintings, Shamsuddin examines how these impulses influence human behaviour and shape relationships, while also drawing attention to their wider consequences for nature.

The artist connects unchecked human desire and self-centred behaviour with environmental degradation, deforestation and the disruption of ecological balance. His works call for greater awareness of the need to protect forests, wildlife and natural habitats.

“I feel that, as an artist, I also have a responsibility towards the environment and the world,” Shamsuddin said.

The exhibition also reflects the artist’s experimentation with painting techniques and materials. Drawing inspiration from Ajanta cave paintings and Thangka traditions, he combines sand, mud, zinc oxide and acrylic paint to create layered and textured surfaces.

Earthy browns, muted blues, yellow-greens and shades of gold dominate the paintings, while asymmetrical compositions and tactile surfaces translate psychological and philosophical ideas into visual forms.

The use of gold, in particular, suggests the possibility of inner transformation and greater self-awareness, according to the exhibition concept.

“The exhibition seeks to reveal the hidden connections between human desires, our behaviour, and the natural world, encouraging us to recognise and reconsider the consequences of our actions,” the artist said.

‘The Song of Agony: Arishadvarga’ will remain open until October 13. The exhibition can be visited daily from 3 pm to 9 pm at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi.