The 20th solo exhibition by Arham ul Huq Chowdhury, titled 'Decorated Deeds: Bangla Calligraphy on Antique Documents', is currently ongoing at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital's Dhanmondi.

The latest exhibition of Arham's, 'Decorated Deeds', marks his 20th solo show and celebrates 30 years of his association with Alliance Française de Dhaka. Opened on the day of Pahela Baishakh (April 14), the first day of Bangla New Year - this special series features 31 Bangla calligraphy artworks rendered on rare antique documents, some dating back to the East India Company and colonial periods.

In this unique body of work, Arham overlays ancient Bangla idioms and proverbs onto vintage papers, symbolically linking linguistic heritage with the tangible remnants of historical narratives-preserving both art and memory.

"In my pursuit of various facets of arts and knowledge, I came to initiate Bangla calligraphy; going further into it, I found dimensions being added on the way," Arham said in a recent interview with UNB.

"In that process of doing Bangla calligraphy, searching for age old idioms, phrases, riddles, and sayings that resonate with deeper meaning, and going further this time, I have tried adding another layer to the visual representation of the ancient words of wisdom."

"In 'Decorated Deeds', Arham ul HuQ Chowdhury does not merely exhibit-he resurrects; through the marriage of antique documents and Bangla calligraphy, each work becomes a vessel of memory, a bridge between centuries, and these proverbs are not relics-they are reminders, speaking with renewed urgency about identity, wisdom, and the lived texture of language. We are proud to support this timely and timeless exhibition, which doesn't just honor heritage-it activates it." - ARK Reepon, Curator of the exhibition and Founder of ARTCON, told UNB.

Arham is a versatile Bangladeshi artist, calligrapher, sculptor, designer, and researcher whose creative journey spans over three decades and multiple mediums. With a formal academic background in Anthropology-holding both Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Dhaka-his work reflects a profound engagement with culture, heritage, and the environment.

He has held numerous solo exhibitions since the mid-1990s, covering an eclectic range of forms including Bangla calligraphy, scrap metal sculpture, bonsai, art furniture, and batik using natural dye. His notable recent exhibitions include the ongoing 'Decorated Deeds' (2025) at Alliance Française de Dhaka, which featured Bangla calligraphy on antique documents, and 'Layouts in Letters II' (2024), a fundraising show for animal welfare.

He has also explored public and retrospective sculptural works, such as Sculpture Retrospective (2019) at CRP, Savar, and Duets in Metal and Water, a multi-part sculptural fountain series exhibited at various Dhaka venues.

In parallel with his visual practice, Arham has participated in numerous workshops and seminars, enriching his interdisciplinary approach. These include mold-making with Spanish artist Esperanza Romero, Ebru marbling with Turkish master Hikmet Barutcugil, and several design-themed workshops and seminars hosted by the British Council. He also completed an art history and appreciation course at Shilpakala Academy in 2003.

As a researcher, Arham has delved into architectural anthropology, focusing on Dhaka's pre-partition heritage homes. His academic work includes ethnographic studies on life and social patterns in these historical structures, along with community-based research on the Aga Khawani group in Dhaka.

Professionally, he has contributed to national development initiatives, including consultancy work with the Bangladesh Election Commission and UNDP for developing Bangla fonts for national ID cards.

Arham's involvement in cultural and environmental advocacy is equally notable. He is a founder member of the Bangladesh Heritage Foundation, a life member of the Bangladesh Solar Energy Commission, and is affiliated with organizations like the Bangladesh Crafts Council and Friends of CRP International.

Currently, he works as a freelance artist, interior and landscape designer, and independent researcher focused on heritage and environmental issues.

The exhibition is organised by Alliance Franciase de Dhaka in collaboration with ARTCON and will remain open till April 26, Daily from 3 pm to 9 pm, Sunday closed.