পরিচয় / Porichoy (Identity) - Asia Now

A river writes its story in every ripple.

Born of nature, named by man, this unhindered flow claims its own separate existence; its identity shifts as it flows across the land.

In its passage across diverse lands, it encounters varied realms of human and non-human realities; each place carrying its own spirit, character, and wisdom. Flowing through the rhythms of different climates and seasons, it connects with fresh new forms of life, nurturing a profound bond with the ever-changing environments it touches.

A bond not limited to the land, but also with people, through rituals.

The communities living along the riverbanks weave their own rituals honoring and connecting with the rivers, each reflecting their deep connection. The ritualistic practices and stories are carried from one generation to the next in familiar yet evolving terrains, as the means to hold on to their roots in the swift passage of time.

Through his art and performance, artist Bishwajit Goswami explores the rich ritualistic practices connecting people to their lands, revealing how these traditions have shaped the identities of communities over generations in Bangladesh – a country woven together by hundreds of rivers.

From memories, through the stories and rituals, humans establish a strong, enduring connection with the nature, which gradually also morphs their identity... their ‘porichoy’; empowering them to craft their own destiny.

Brihatta Art Foundation presents ‘Porichoy’ (Identity); a site-specific installation and performance by artist Bishwajit Goswami. This work delves into the rich ritualistic practices that connect people to the lands and the rivers, practices that have shaped the identities of communities across generations in Bangladesh, a country intertwined with more than hundreds of rivers.

For his installation, Goswami repurposed found objects – such as cables, corroded iron grills, and discarded saris—gathered from Old Dhaka. These items serve as metaphors for the urban disarray surrounding the Buriganga River, which faces a slow demise caused by pollution and encroachment.

Souradeep Dasgupta
Researcher