In September 2018, I embarked on a new chapter in my artistic journey as a second-year student at the Institut des Beaux Arts de Besançon (ISBA). This experience marked a significant shift from the curriculum I had previously encountered at the Institute of Fine Arts of Chittagong, where I had completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Painting. The educational approach at ISBA was refreshingly different, fostering a curiosity that motivated me to explore new artistic possibilities. Eager to expand my knowledge and skills, I joined the drawing class of Géraldine Pastor Lloret, hopeful that I would discover fresh perspectives and techniques to enrich my work.

Drawing Inspiration from the Masters at the Museum of Besançon

As part of the drawing class, a group of us students took our artistic practice outside the studio and into the Museum of Besançon. There, we sought inspiration from the works of the old masters, using their masterpieces as a foundation for our creative exploration. I found myself captivated by the rich history and intricate details of the artworks housed in the museum. In this environment, I began to create a series of drawings on broken marble, a medium that intrigued me for its texture and symbolism of fragmented history.

My work during this period was diverse and reflective of my evolving artistic interests. I focused on several themes, including the continuation of my earlier explorations of hair in connection with the museum’s works, the study of drapery, and the rendering of faces and bodies with the inclusion of real objects such as socks and gloves. Additionally, I pursued the motif of boats, drawing them in relation to the museum’s collection. These works represented a continuation of my second-year studies, particularly my exploration of lace/drapery and the human form through live models.

The Influence of Family Portraiture and Female Figures

As a foreign student, far from my own family, I was deeply moved by a family portrait painting in the museum. This work resonated with me on a personal level, prompting me to draw small details from the painting, particularly the clothing and accessories of the figures depicted. As a female artist, the representation of women has always held a significant place in my work. This influence manifested in the creation of a female portrait inspired by various paintings and sculptures within the museum. I chose to depict these women without faces, adding found objects collected during my daily walks in Besançon to imbue the drawings with a sense of place and narrative.

One of my notable works during this period involved the reinterpretation of a mother and child portrait. I recreated the mother’s figure and, to represent the child, I glued a glove I had found—a poignant symbol of the child’s presence. In another piece, inspired by Henri Matisse’s nude, I incorporated a found comb, attaching it to the drawing of the female figure as she brushed her hair. These works reflected my deep engagement with the museum’s collection and my desire to connect these historical pieces with the everyday objects I encountered in my life.

The Road to “Infiniment” and the Impact of COVID-19

The drawing class proved to be an enriching experience, fueled by the encouragement and inspiration provided by Professor Lloret. My enthusiasm led me to create numerous drawings in various media, including pencil sketches, pen sketches, watercolors, and charcoal. The collective effort and creativity of our group did not go unnoticed. The museum director, impressed by our work, proposed that we organize an exhibition within the museum—a proposal that filled us with excitement and a renewed sense of purpose.

However, our plans were soon disrupted by the outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic forced the closure of the museum and the postponement of our exhibition. Despite these challenges, we remained resilient, continuing to work on our drawings with unwavering determination. The prolonged period of uncertainty only strengthened our resolve to see our efforts come to fruition.

The Inauguration of “Infiniment”

Finally, in October 2021, our perseverance was rewarded with the opening of our exhibition at the Fine Arts Museum of Besançon. Titled “Infiniment,” the exhibition reflected the endless energy and creativity that had driven us throughout the pandemic. The title also symbolized the continuity of our artistic journey—a process that, despite delays and obstacles, had never truly ended.

The experience of participating in this exhibition was particularly meaningful to me, as it marked my first time exhibiting in a museum. As a Fine Arts student, this opportunity was both prestigious and significant, offering me a platform to share my work with a wider audience and to be recognized as an artist in an esteemed cultural institution.

“Infiniment” was not just an exhibition; it was a testament to the power of persistence, collaboration, and the unending nature of creative exploration. The challenge of selecting a few works from a vast collection of drawings was difficult, but it underscored the richness of the artistic journey we had all undertaken. This exhibition was a milestone in my artistic career, one that will continue to inspire my work for years to come.