A solo exhibition by Soma Surovi Jannat is being held at the Ashmolean Museum, the UK’s oldest public museum and the University of Oxford’s leading art and archaeology institution in a first for a Bangladesh-based artist.

The exhibition opened on March 28 as part of the fifth edition of the Ashmolean NOW series, launched in 2023, which invites contemporary artists to create new work inspired by the museum’s historical collections.

Created following her residency at the Ashmolean in 2023, the exhibition, ‘Soma Surovi Jannat: Climate Culture Care’ presents Surovi’s paintings and drawings that explore the relationship between natural disasters and social inequalities.

Curated by Professor Mallica Kumbera Landrus, the Ashmolean’s Keeper of Eastern Art and curator of South Asian Art, the exhibition features around 40 objects including various works on paper, a 30-foot-long scroll, and an ephemeral drawing that the artist will complete directly on the wall of the gallery space. Professor Landrus has also authored an exclusive, illustrated, 112-page catalogue to accompany the exhibition.

Maarya Rehman, deputy director Bangladesh, British Council, said, ‘It is a proud moment for us as Soma Surovi Jannat’s debut solo show in the UK, and the first solo exhibition by a Bangladesh based artist in a UK museum, marks an important milestone. Soma Surovi Jannat’s work shares the richness of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and adds a powerful voice to global conversations on environment and identity.’

Xa Sturgis, director of the Ashmolean Museum, said, ‘We hope and anticipate that this exhibition, unique in its scope and approach, will stimulate discussions around Bangladesh and its contemporary art, as we celebrate the country’s 55th anniversary this year.’