Bio

Akhtar Ahmed Rasha, an artist of Bangladeshi-American origin, employs natural materials like branches, roots, and trunks to craft found object art. His artistic journey began in 2009, and his creative expression draws heavily from the life experiences accumulated during his time in Bangladesh. Now based in Jersey City, New Jersey, Akhtar Ahmed Rasha aims to capture the essence of contemporary life by documenting the common elements of his era.

Rasha’s art process starts with scavenging driftwood in beaches along the Atlantic coast. To the naked eye, most of these driftwood pieces are considered to be nature’s waste, but Rasha finds characters and subjects in such pieces before adding any additional touches; he tries to preserve the natural aspects of his art as much as possible by making minimal additions to the materials and colors used. In doing so, Rasha explores art through a new lens that allows him to tell stories through nature’s medium. 

With a portfolio comprising ten solo exhibitions and numerous group exhibitions throughout both USA and Bangladesh, Rasha's artistic evolution is evident, reflecting various facets of life, nature, and history. From his debut exhibition, 'The Sense of a Moment,' in 2015, which beautifully captured the connection between humans and animals amidst nature's beauty, to 'Monsoon' in 2017, where he depicted the diverse emotions of the human mind through the rhythm of Bangladesh's rainy season.

Breaking new ground, Rasha’s fourth solo exhibition 'Art Evening with Distinguished Maestros' in 2021 showcased sculptures honoring notable figures from the Bangladeshi diaspora and other public figures. The sculptures made from sawdust and cement signified a new medium in Rasha’s artwork and an evolution in his artistic trajectory.

Aside from subjects in nature, Rasha also uses his art to highlight social issues, history, politics, etc. His seventh exhibition, 'Not a Goddess, Not Just a Woman (নহি দেবী, নহি সামান্যা নারী),' stands as a profound exploration of women's empowerment. Many of his artworks regarding the Liberation War have also served as a powerful platform for dialogue, inspiring discussions about Bangladesh’s history and notable figures with both younger and older generations.