“Almin”

Original Oil Painting

Oil On Canvas 

70cm X 100cm

Created 2022

It was May 8th, my first day visiting the islands of Northern Bangladesh. We were driven from the training centre to Balishi Village, a small village along the coast where people waited in the sun for the boats to arrive to take them to various islands. The village was a hive of activity with various locally produced food sold on market stalls emanating beautiful odours into the warm air. The colours, noises and smells of the village were so extreme and impactful, I could never forget the beautiful colours, the laughter and the noise of small motorised taxis honking their horns as the beautiful odours of spice floated all around. 

We sat on the boat as the motor spluttered to life and we started our journey to Aorai Bari. We passed many islands which were locally called Chars and each island had a different type of beauty but the consistency was the structure of the river bank which looked like a soft sand that was easily torn away by the river. It was clear to see the affects of river erosion. As we approached Aorai Bari we could see the island in all its natural beauty, the children of the island swam out to meet us as others stood and waved. This would be the first of many warm and heartfelt welcomes that we received as we visited many other chars. 

I remember looking at the beauty of this fragile island and at the same time realised that Almin was watching my reaction. I could sense his pride and a defiance as he struggled to moor the boat in the sweltering sun as sweat poured down his face. I could sense the power of this pride, defiance and hope and I knew instantly that these were the emotional foundations that the villagers needed to get through a life of hardship, a life that they lived with joy and happiness. I was so proud and honoured to be in the presence of such people.

All proceeds of the painting will go to www.friendship.ngo

“Almin” is also available as a signed limited edition print, please see the “Bangladesh and Climate Change” series on the limited edition print section of the website..