Oitij-jo at the Bargehouse

Oitij-jo is a three-day exhibition and series of events celebrating Bangladeshi culture and creativity. Held at the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, the project’s programme is packed with exciting events, from film screenings and fashion shows to live music and a pop-up store.

Upon entering the building, visitors pass Threads and Needles, an installation by architect Abu Siddiki that emulates the threads of a loom, providing an instant visual connection to one of the exhibition’s central themes: fabrics and their production.

On the lower floors there are several photographic exhibitions, including Enamul Hoque’s photo documentary of the jamdani weaving process, and panoramic scenes of the streets of Dhaka, while in Woven Air Textiles pieces by the award-winning textile artist Rezia Wahid MBE are displayed and visitors have the opportunity to see a weaving loom in operation.

On the top floor, Fashion Now is a creatively displayed collection of garments made by emerging UK and Bangladeshi designers and curated by students from Central Saint Martins and Artakt. In the evenings, this space becomes a catwalk for models to demonstrate the designs.

Located around the Bargehouse are several colourful and dramatic Dhallywood film posters painted by the artist Sitesh Kumar Sur in response to a commission by the photographer Shahidul Alam whose project explores the decline of Bangladesh’s once thriving cinemas.

There are several live music events on the programme, including a performance by award-winning jazz pianist Zoe Rahman accompanied by Idris Rahman on the flute and saxophone.

With such a crammed schedule it isn’t possible to mention every event, however, the exhibition is highly recommended. The Bargehouse provides a unique venue filled with character and, as the show is gathering lots of interest, the atmosphere is likely to be lively and buzzing.

Verdict: •••••

Melanie Weaver

Oitij-jo is on at the Bargehouse until Sunday 24^th February 2013. For further information or to book a ticket, visit here.