1/2.1 Million by Khan Shamim Akhtar

"1/2.1 Million" reflects the silent suffering of those trapped in conflict and facing starvation. The title refers to a fraction of a staggering statistic—millions enduring hunger—yet every life tells an individual story of pain and resilience. The central figure, with empty hands except for a single vessel, embodies helplessness and the haunting void that hunger creates. Her expression and posture reveal exhaustion, despair, and a neglected human need. This work is deeply personal; even though I am thousands of kilometers away in India, these images invade my thoughts during my most sacred moments of namaz and private reflection. The splattered background serves as a visual metaphor for the emotional turmoil and empathy that break through my solitude. Through this painting, I aim to connect the physical absence of food with the spiritual and emotional turmoil it causes, bridging distant locations through shared humanity and compassion.

This artwork was exhibited at Method in the group exhibition "The Parliament is Now in Session" (August 2025).