Critic's dismissal of 'meaningless' exhibition misses the point of community art

In a personal piece for The Guardian, artist Reetu Sattar addresses the negative feedback her exhibition faced, particularly from a critic who deemed it 'meaningless.' She contends that such assessments miss the essence of community-driven art initiatives like London's Backyard Biennial East, which strive to connect with individuals often marginalized by conventional galleries. Sattar reminisces about her initial experience with her artwork, 'Lost Tune,' in 2018 at the National Theatre of Bangladesh, where musicians clad in white produced a singular note on the harmonium, generating a resonant hum. At that time, she yearned to learn an instrument, yet music was banned in her home due to a rising belief among many Bangladeshi Muslim families that it is against Islamic teachings, despite rich musical traditions. She likens her feelings to the past being confined in the 'Jadu Ghor' (the 'magic house,' the Bangla term for museum). The essay underscores the significance of art that fosters community engagement and confronts exclusionary practices within the art realm.