An independent visual artist, Kuntal Barai has spanned his artistic journey over a decade, during which he has immersed himself in the vibrant chaos of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh and its relentless traffic. The busy metropolis has a 'life' of its own and its unplanned growth threatens to disavow its past glory and also any ideal frame anyone might have about its future. Through his work, Barai captures the essence of this bustling metropolis—a place teeming with life, contradictions, and challenges.

Barai’s canvas reflects the organic forms that emerge from the chaos he witnesses daily. Dhaka, home to 8.5 million people, grapples with overpopulation, traffic congestion, and rapid, uncontrolled development. While some find solace in their safe havens, the majority of inhabitants struggle to maintain dignity amidst the city’s relentless pace.

As an artist, Barai doesn’t merely depict lived experiences; nor does he dissolve reality into formal aesthetics. His work is a fusion of both—the raw chaos and the underlying sense of loss caused by the city’s disruption of life’s natural rhythm. Within this chaos, Barai glimpses the potential for new visions to emerge, like fragile blooms pushing through concrete.

In his series of works, Barai invites viewers to explore Dhaka’s soul—the hidden narratives, the resilience of its people, and the delicate balance between disorder and hope. His paintings evoke emotions, provoke thought, and offer a glimpse into a city that defies easy categorization. Through Barai’s eyes, Dhaka becomes more than a place—it becomes a living, breathing entity, pulsating with stories waiting to be told.

Exhibitions:

KAHAL Art Competition and Exhibition (2014), Art Complex Center of Tokyo(ACT), Tokyo

Displaced in Dhaka (2018), La Galerie, Dhaka

6^th Tokyo International Mini-Print Triennial (2018), Tama Art University Museum, Tokyo

Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Art Exposition (2019), Harold Peiris Gallery, Colombo

Celebrating Mother Language in the Light of Art (2019), National Art Gallery, Dhaka

19th Asian Art Biennale (2022), National Art Gallery, Dhaka

25^th National Art Exhibition by Bangladesh (2023), National Art Gallery, Dhaka

Collections:

National Art Gallery (Dhaka)

UNDP (Dhaka)