In our society, a man is simply a man — a protector and provider with a linear existence. Women, however, are put into similar moulds that force them to lead multidimensional lives. Thus, a woman’s heart is deeper than the Pacific Ocean — containing secrets and stories born from her social identities, the phases of her life and lived experiences with others. These narratives often go unnoticed within the patriarchal system that prevails. A group of women artists has now decided to share their memoirs through an art exhibition titled “Untold Story”.
The inauguration of “Untold Story” took place at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on September 1, 2026, on a calming evening of drizzle, as if the sky knew to be gentle that night. Frédéric Inza, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France in Dhaka, and Tanvir Ahmed, Managing Director of Sheltech Group and Envoy Legacy, attended the event as chief guests.
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Curated by Fareha Zeba, the exhibition features artists Esha Ahmed, Fouzia Mahin Choudhury, Kazmin Samia, Shulekha Chaudhury, Sumana Akter and Surovi Akter, alongside guest artists Alia Kamal, Arpita Singha, Mahmuda Siddika, Rafia Mahjabeen, Rituparna Saha and Venessa Kaiser.
“Untold Story” is an exhibition where visitors can interact with the artworks, which are meant not only to be seen but also touched, listened to and felt. Zeba said she encouraged the participants to create unconventional books through their artworks, allowing audiences to interact with the pieces and relate to the artists.
Zeba’s own work introduces her practice of working on palm leaves, a technique she learnt in Odisha, India, in 2017. Her paintings are conversations between women and seeds, with both asking the same question: “Are we here to nourish the earth and its living beings?”
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Venessa Kaiser presents a bold, eye-catching set of images exploring limerence — an intense romantic obsession with someone despite uncertainty over whether the feelings are reciprocated. The pages of her book resemble the shape of a human heart.
Surovi Akter creates a journey from childhood to adulthood, looking inward and embracing her feelings. Alia Kamal, meanwhile, has created a cleverly cut-and-folded book featuring portraits of her mother, maternal grandmother and herself at different phases of their lives, presenting a dialogue among three generations of women.
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Esha Ahmed has handmade a chocolate-shaped quilt with her poem embroidered on it, portraying the sweetness of her childhood memories. Of her three books, the tiniest is perhaps the most endearing — filled with beads, flowers, lace and other crafts.
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Arpita Singha’s work challenges archaic social prejudices sugar-coated with aestheticism. She confronts the discriminatory notion that a dark complexion brings misfortune, particularly affecting girls. Her work also connects such superstition with attitudes towards crows, nature’s scavengers that help keep cities clean.
Mahmuda Siddika’s collage, made with countless tiny pieces of fabric, presents the countryside and Sal forest through her eyes — a visual memoir of her journey home to Mymensingh.
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For Rituparna Saha, the loss of a loved one forced her family members to live apart at a time when they had no home of their own to return to. Using textile manipulation, photo transfer and eco-printing alongside hand embroidery, she depicts her search for a home.
Sumana Akter’s work explores her journey through motherhood and the bond she shares with her son. Between 2024 and 2026, Shulekha Chaudhury faced fear, loss and uncertainty surrounding her mother’s battle with cancer and events in her motherland, Bangladesh. These experiences led her to create “Shodesh”, depicting both of her mothers.
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Kazmin Samia explores a post-traumatic emotional state, navigating grief, resilience and healing through images, text and personal narratives.
Through hand-stitching and natural dyes on textile, Rafia Mahjabeen remembers “Panthakunja”, a five-acre park that provided shelter to people and animals in Dhaka before being affected by the construction of the elevated expressway. Around 2,000 trees representing 45 species were cut down, resulting in the loss of animal habitats.
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Fouzia Mahin Choudhury offers an auditory experience in which visitors can communicate with a speeding ceiling fan, much as she does herself. Her mirror, meanwhile, portrays her gaze towards her innermost self rather than the outside world.
Ultimately, “Untold Story” is an exhibition filled with emotional depth and warmth as well as technical intellect. The exhibition will remain open at AFD until September 9, 2026.
