I am Tanjim Chowdhury, an artist originally from Bangladesh and currently based in Rennes, France.
My City Life
A large-format symmetrical composition exploring the tension between nature and urban life. Bold green silhouettes emerge against a dynamic background of black, yellow and white, while red city buildings anchor the lower centre — a reflection on how modern city life shapes and fragments our relationship with the natural world.
Nokhottrobari (Star House)
A nocturnal landscape rendered in pointillist style, where grey tones and orange dotted light evoke a dreamlike twilight. A red arched bridge reflects in still water alongside a moored boat, evoking the riverine landscapes of Bangladesh — a meditation on memory, stillness, and the quiet beauty of rural life.
The Virgin in Flower
This work depicts a woman surrounded by flowers, painted in a Western style. The inspiration comes from a childhood story told by my grandmother about two sisters who once lived in our village. One of the sisters, named "Phool Kumari," particularly struck me with her name and personality, and she inspired this work. Women are the source of supremacy and regulators of the world in sagas — they symbolize kindness and generosity while also being goddesses of perfection, capable of becoming destructive if necessary.
The Dolls
This installation is composed of clay dolls inspired by traditional dolls from Bangladesh. My headless dolls reflect the societal pressure on women to embody the ideal of a submissive woman without her own will. Among these dolls, only one has a head — it is faceless and wears a crown of thorns, symbolizing that to make her own decisions, a woman must be ready to suffer and take responsibility for protecting herself.
Song of the Dead Leaves I
This artwork explores the deep connection between women and nature. Women, like nature, emerge, rise, live, and disappear within it. Sometimes fresh like trees, fertile like the earth, magnificent like flowers, immense like the sky. The work depicts two friends dancing at the beginning of spring. The vibrant colors and patterns capture the joy of spring, imagining music emanating from the whisper of leaves — inspired by Bangladesh, blending Impressionism and influences from Georges Seurat.
Still Life
This still life presents a traditional Bangladeshi doll dressed in a Western dress adorned with Jamdani patterns, a prominent traditional textile in Bangladesh. In my work, I mix cultures — I grew up in Bangladesh, my home country, and now live in France. I adapt to European culture while preserving my originality.
Digital Peeping
This work depicts a Bangladeshi woman glancing at social media. The inspiration came from a drawing by the famous Bangladeshi artist Kamrul Hasan. During the COVID pandemic, we were isolated from each other, and social media was the only way to monitor the lives of others. The colors and details reflect the importance of virtual connection during times of isolation.
Bijoux de Défense
A collection of jewelry made from screws, pins, nails, cans, and ceramics. These raw and sharp materials challenge the traditional idea of jewelry as a simple accessory of beauty, transforming it into a tool of defense. These pieces are not only decorative but also function as genuine armor — proposing that jewelry should offer mental and physical security to women.
Autoportrait
This self-portrait is inspired by the famous painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Vermeer. Using the aquatint technique, I sought to capture the light, expression, and serenity that characterize the original work, while integrating personal elements to reflect my own gaze and personality.
Dream
Since the dawn of time, we conceptualize reflections of our thoughts, emotions, wishes, and experiences. Dreams inspire us to unleash our imagination and reflect on our passions, fears, and desires. The ocean is a feminine symbol connected to our divine feminine nature — associated with compassion, creativity, and intuition, water reminds us that we are all connected energetically.
Portrait d'une femme
A portrait of a faceless woman, adorned with a crown of thorns, drawn on the wood of a Mont d'Or cheese box with an ink pen. This unexpected material, discovered during volunteering at the Red Cross, deeply inspired me. The broken knot in the wood symbolizes the fractures and constraints imposed on women, questioning the roles assigned to women in Bangladeshi society.
Fusion Architecturale
A panoramic collage of the city of Rennes. While strolling through the city center, I took photos of the architecture — particularly the half-timbered buildings — then printed, cut, and combined them with modern elements. Some areas were hand-drawn, and watercolor paint was added to merge different architectural styles, capturing the dynamic and historical essence of Rennes.
Still Life Studies
Two still life studies created using different printmaking and collage methods. The collage version depicts vegetables, glass bottles, fabrics, and porcelain assembled from diverse types of paper. The varied textures and materials bring unique visual richness, highlighting the diversity and beauty of everyday objects.
Songs of the Fallen Leaves II
This still life depicts various objects symbolizing an escape from urban turmoil, noise, and the monotony of life. My work expresses the longing to return to a natural, rural environment, abundant in greenery. This is the central theme of my art.
Hallway of the Museum of Fine Arts of Besançon
This watercolor depicts the hallway of the Museum of Fine Arts of Besançon, a significant source of inspiration during my first visit to France in March 2018. Although the museum was under renovation and I couldn't enter, its architecture deeply intrigued me. In November 2019, I was finally able to visit — this watercolor captures the essence of that long-awaited moment.
Mother with Her Child
This artwork portrays a mother holding her child, capturing the intimate bond and emotional connection between them. The use of acrylic paint brings depth and vibrancy to the figures, highlighting the nurturing relationship central to the theme. Through this piece, I explore the strength, tenderness, and profound love inherent in motherhood.
Self-Portrait
I created a self-portrait depicting myself as an Indigenous Indian. This work reflects the various thoughts that constantly haunt my mind and my desire to return to a primitive society, free of complexity. Under the influence of urban modernity, we forget our own existence.
Childhood Games
Childhood memories are precious treasures for every individual. Clay handmade dolls, cars, and toys symbolize this period of life. The natural landscapes represent the rural environment where I grew up, immersed in the beauty of nature. I used Jamdani Sari patterns on the tablecloth — a traditional Bangladeshi textile — symbolizing the prosperity of Bengali culture. The small footprints evoke nostalgia and the longing to return to those golden days.