Onto 1 by Antara Dey

In this series, I explore the fragmented yet enduring nature of Sylheti rituals and their significance in preserving cultural identity. Each piece is deliberately composed to resemble broken relics, mimicking the preservation of objects passed down through generations. The crumpled canvas evokes a sense of fragility and impermanence, yet the bold colours and recurring motifs, such as lamps, flames, and ritualistic symbols, suggest resilience. These distorted forms act as metaphors for the bits of memory that survive, carried through Sylheti family folklore and mythology.

The artworks serve as visual relics of cultural preservation, embodying both the vulnerability and the vitality of tradition in contemporary life. By portraying these rituals as fragments, I underscore their role in connecting past and present, much like the act of preserving artefacts. This series becomes a visual dialogue about memory, identity, and the continued relevance of Sylheti customs in modern times.

In "Onto 1", I delve into the cyclical nature of rituals and their profound impact on Sylheti cultural identity. The abstracted, distorted forms represent fragmented memories, while the blue and red hues embody the continuity of tradition through time. The crumpled canvas mirrors the fragility of these fading rituals, highlighting their importance in anchoring our cultural identity amidst rapid change.