Ismail Ferdous - Sea Beach

Exhibition from September 22 to November 22, 2023

Galerie PICTO NY
77 Washington Avenue, 3ème étage, Brooklyn – New York

“I grew up in Dhaka, a city made up mainly of concrete. Cox’s Bazar was and still is the most exciting vacation destination in Bangladesh. The beach serves as a melting pot for Bangladeshi culture. (…) Until I was twenty, it was my only link with beach and ocean culture. After living in the U.S. for several years, I was surprised by the culture of Cox’s Bazar when I returned.” – Ismail Ferdous

Beaches all over the world have their own culture, a natural blend of local traditions and what tourists have to offer.

This is how beaches develop their distinct personality, and Cox’Bazar – the world’s longest natural beach in Bangladesh – has its own identity.

Nestled at the southern tip of the country, along the Bay of Bengal, it is distinctly different from its regional neighbors such as Goa in India or Pattaya in Thailand.

Tourists come here in their finest attire, delicately approaching the shore.

They stand like pilgrims at the end of a journey, content to stare at the horizon across the sea.

Itinerant merchants seek out potential buyers among the mass of tourists, offering whatever range of sweets or goods they have.

There’s a noticeable lack of urgency, as if time itself had advocated unloading everyone’s burdens on the beach.

Children shout and parents let them have their fun.

The air in Cox’Bazar smells of salt and affection.