Joydeb Roaja's Indigenous Art Confronts Military Conflict and Cultural Erasure in Bangladesh

Joydeb Roaja, who was born in 1973 in the Khagrachhari Hill District of Bangladesh, produces art and performances that are deeply influenced by his experiences within the Tripura community. His works confront issues such as military occupation, disputes over land rights, and the marginalization of Indigenous Pahari identities. Notable series, including Generation Wish Yielding Trees and Atomic Tree (2008–), illustrate military tanks alongside Pahari figures. Roaja's artistic journey has been shaped by collaborations with groups like Porapara Space For Artists and Britto Arts Trust, particularly after a transformative workshop with Seiji Shimoda in 2009 that redirected his focus to performance art. His latest series, The Future of Indigenous Peoples (2024), is featured in the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial at Queensland Art Gallery until 27 April, exploring the surveillance of Indigenous bodies. He operates a studio in Rangamati, situated on land impacted by the Kaptai Dam's construction.