The Dualities of Life and Nature: Shikh Sabbir Alam's 'বনমানুষ / Bon-Manush' at Experimenter
Shikh Sabbir Alam’s 'বনমানুষ / Bon-Manush' at Experimenter delves into humanity’s primal connection with nature, exploring the dualities of beauty and terror, permanence and impermanence, through richly textured paintings inspired by Bangla philosophy and sensory experiences.
![The Dualities of Life and Nature: Shikh Sabbir Alam's 'বনমানুষ / Bon-Manush' at Experimenter](/content/images/size/w1200/2025/01/SSA021-image.jpg)
From January 29 to March 29, 2025, Experimenter – Ballygunge Place in Kolkata hosts Shikh Sabbir Alam’s first solo exhibition in India, বনমানুষ / Bon-Manush. This compelling series of paintings explores the profound interconnectedness between humanity and nature, drawing inspiration from the dualistic nature of existence. The Bangla title itself—বন (forest) and মানুষ (person)—invites contemplation of the symbiotic yet complex relationship between human beings and the natural world.
Rooted in the philosophy of প্রাণ ও প্রকৃতি (life and nature), Alam delves into the elemental life force that binds all creation in the universe. His exploration centres on the dichotomies within nature—its capacity to inspire awe with beauty while simultaneously invoking terror with its raw power. This duality resonates in the Bangla word বনমানুষ, which not only evokes a being detached from urban sophistication but also implies a primal connection to the earth, unmediated by modern artifice.
![](https://serenademagazine.art/content/images/2025/01/Sabbir-2.jpg)
The Inspiration Behind "বনমানুষ / Bon-Manush"
Alam’s choice of title is deeply reflective of his thematic exploration. He describes:
"I see the inspiration behind the title 'বনমানুষ / Bon-Manush' in two ways when I think of these two words separately. My primary thoughts are related to nature, life, and the universe. All these things seem magical to me. On the other hand, the literal meaning of this word is that it identifies a few particular species such as gorillas and chimpanzees, whose behaviour and nature are similar to humans but not completely human."
![](https://serenademagazine.art/content/images/2025/01/_00A7424-HDR-Pano.jpg)
Art as a Sensory Dialogue
Alam’s creative process begins with freehand drawings, which eventually evolve into richly textured paintings. His works delve into the act of perception—how our senses shape our understanding of colour, form, and shape. He explains:
"Before the final painting, I sketch an idea. In the process of drawing, the lines that entangle the form of thought, whether it is conscious or unconscious, immediately arouse a sense of wonder. It is much like being amazed by the perception of life, nature, and the created world."
Through vibrant palettes and organic forms, Alam evokes visceral sensory experiences of nature: the dampness of a forest, the rustling of leaves, the fragrance of earth, and the fleeting touch of a breeze. His art challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction, permanence and impermanence.
![](https://serenademagazine.art/content/images/2025/01/_00A7660-HDR.jpg)
Exploring the Philosophy of Life and Nature
Alam’s nonlinear creative process mirrors the inherent unpredictability of life and nature. He notes:
"In my practice, the idea of exploring the philosophy of life and nature is nonlinear. Initially, I think about what kind of thoughts, elements, and topics interest me. The translation of these ideas is intuitive, where spontaneity takes precedence over a restrictive plan."
His paintings highlight the contradictions of nature—its beauty and terror—a theme he navigates without consciously seeking balance:
"The thoughts of beauty and terror arise from the concept of creation, violence, destruction. Like how the body goes through various experiences of good and bad in daily life. In this case, I give priority to those things in my work that move me, be it of wonder or terror."
![](https://serenademagazine.art/content/images/2025/01/SSA001-image.jpg)
A Global Artistic Journey
Born in Kushtia, Bangladesh, in 1982, Alam’s artistic journey has been shaped by his education at the Oslo Academy of Fine Arts and the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University of Baroda, India. His work has graced significant exhibitions across the globe, including the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (2022-23), Zebrastraat in Ghent, Belgium (2021), and Kunstnernes Hus in Oslo, Norway (2018). His art has been acquired by prestigious collections, including S.M.A.K, the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art in Ghent, and the Fiorucci Art Trust in London.
Interpreting বনমানুষ / Bon-Manush Through Sensory Experiences
At its core, বনমানুষ / Bon-Manush is an invitation to reflect on how we perceive and remember the natural world. By foregrounding impermanence and uncertainty, Alam compels viewers to confront the fragility of human existence and our place within a larger ecological framework. Themes of memory and perception underpin his creative approach:
"Sometimes, it is based on a specific memory, and sometimes it is based on daily events. The collective impact of what time and what situation I am living in affects my thought process. The influence of time, place, and life mould my memory and perception during the work process."
His primary aim is to translate sensory experiences into visual forms:
"My main interest in the concepts of smell, taste, and sound is how to form an abstract thought into a form. My primary aim is how to combine these elements to form a thought."
![](https://serenademagazine.art/content/images/2025/01/SSA005-image.jpg)
A New Chapter in India
Marking his debut solo exhibition in India, Alam describes the significance of presenting বনমানুষ / Bon-Manush at Experimenter:
"Since I studied in India, it is a pleasure for me to have an exhibition here. At the same time, it is an opportunity through which I can show my work to the known and unknown."
Looking ahead, Alam remains open to new possibilities:
"Currently as a primary medium I use drawing and painting mostly, however, in the future, I am open to exploring different mediums as a tool for my artistic expression."
![](https://serenademagazine.art/content/images/2025/01/_00A7714-HDR.jpg)
A Meditation on Dualities
Experimenter’s presentation of বনমানুষ / Bon-Manush highlights Shikh Sabbir Alam’s ability to merge local cultural philosophies with universal themes of interconnectedness. His work serves as both a celebration of nature’s splendour and a cautionary tale about its fragile future in an era of environmental degradation. This exhibition is an invitation to reflect on the dualities that define life, nature, and the human experience.
![](https://serenademagazine.art/content/images/2025/01/2025-_-Shikh-Sabbir-Alam--Bon-Manush.jpg)