KHANDOKER UPAMA KABIR | CURATORIAL PORTFOLIO
Exploring the Intersection of Art, Heritage, and Storytelling
“What
would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
- Vincent Van Gogh
Khandoker Upama Kabir
upama.kabir.mei@gmail.com +4917636328703
www.linkedin.com/in/upamakabir
Hailing from the vibrant streets of Dhaka and currently based in Germany, I am a multidisciplinary professional with a background in Architecture and a Master’s in Heritage Studies. My journey spans diverse experiences—from co-curating exhibitions and designing interdisciplinary projects to producing multimedia content that bridges tradition and modernity. I am deeply passionate about connecting art, heritage, and community through storytelling, collaboration, and innovative curatorial practices.
My work reflects a commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and creating spaces where narratives from diverse disciplines and perspectives converge. Whether through designing exhibitions, creating digital content, or engaging with artistic communities, my approach is rooted in the belief that art and heritage can serve as powerful tools for understanding and connection. Welcome to my portfolio—a testament to preserving the past while shaping the future through creative exploration.
- Khandoker Upama Kabir
MASTER THESIS
TOWARDS ADAPTIVE REUSE THROUGH CO-CREATIONAL ART PRACTICES:
A case of neglected historic sites of old
Abstract
The study explores the adaptive reuse of neglected cultural heritage sites in Old Dhaka, highlighting the importance of community involvement in preserving the region’s rich cultural value. Using two case studies, it examines clashes between top-down conservation approaches and local traditions while proposing co-creative, sustainable solutions inspired by the URONTO platform’s success in rural Bangladesh. This work advocates for deeper engagement with communities and interdisciplinary research to reshape heritage conservation practices.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Conducted comprehensive community surveys and key interviews to gather data.
Designed and implemented research methodologies for effective data collection.
Developed and proposed sustainable, co-creative approaches tailored to engage communities and preserve cultural heritage.
Skills Used:
Research and analytical skills.
Heritage documentation using participatory methods and community engagement techniques.
Data collection and qualitative/quantitative analysis.
w Beauty Boarding, Old Dhaka. A historic boarding house known for hosting artists and literary luminaries of Bengal. Once a vibrant hub for struggling creatives, it continues to operate today. Captured during thesis research in Bangladesh, 2022.
Conservation discussions in Old Dhaka often focus on preservation while sidelining community engagement. Authoritative proposals, such as relocating residents, fail to consider the cultural narratives embedded within these spaces. Instead, historic sites are repurposed into museums or commercial spaces, disconnecting them from the communities they serve.
These conservative approaches highlight the need for inclusive strategies that prioritize local voices and experimental methodologies. By bridging this gap, conservation efforts can better align with community needs and preserve cultural heritage.
The diagram to the right summarizes these challenges, illustrating the gaps in community awareness and the limitations of traditional conservationist approaches.
URONTO’s co-creative approach to heritage preservation bridges the gap between community and heritage by balancing cultural preservation with economic needs. This transformative process extends beyond physical revitalization, fostering diverse expressions, strengthening community ties, and creating sustainable income opportunities.
The diagram on the right illustrates URONTO’s co-creative processes, highlighting their multifaceted benefits for both the community and conservationists. It emphasizes the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in reshaping heritage conservation practices.
In Old Dhaka, where traditions and festivals like Shakhrain, Holi, Puja, and Eid reflect the region’s vibrant cultural tapestry, rapid modernization threatens to erase this heritage. Inspired by URONTO’s successes, this project introduces a co-creative intervention to safeguard these traditions and their architectural context.
Rooted in collaboration, this initiative offers a solution for adaptive reuse—encouraging experimentation, co-creation, and diverse cultural expressions. By fostering a nuanced understanding of heritage, it sparks curiosity and disseminates awareness about Old Dhaka’s invaluable cultural legacy.
Photo: Exhibition at Dubolhati Palace – Featuring a Pattachitra scroll painting of poetry representing the region’s history. Captured during the project’s culmination. Courtesy of URONTO, 2020 (Uronto. What Remains, 2020: https://urontoart.org/what-remains/).
Photo: Fragment 66: A glimpse at the finished artwork, blending natural dyes with abstract creativity. Crafted using materials and dyes sourced from Dhaka, Bangladesh
100 FRAGMENTS OF THE DRAGON CARPET –FRAGMENT 66
This project was part of the Pergamon Museum’s 100 Fragments of the Dragon Carpet initiative, a global collaboration inviting individuals to reinterpret fragments of the historic Dragon Carpet through artistic expression. Working with Fragment 66 in Dhaka, I conceptualized and produced a short documentary highlighting traditional dye-making techniques and cultural narratives. Collaborating with local artist Papia Sarwar Dithi, I transformed the fragment into an abstract painting using natural dyes crafted from henna, turmeric, and indigo, etc. This work symbolizes the harmonious interplay of heritage, creativity, and collaboration
Roles and Responsibilities:
Conceptualized the project theme, focusing on natural dyes and their cultural significance in Dhaka.
Produced a cinematic short documentary showcasing the journey of Fragment 66, integrating visuals, voiceover, and typography.
Sourced traditional materials like henna leaves, turmeric, and indigo, connecting cultural heritage with modern artistic practice.
Collaborated with local artist and architect Papia Sarwar Dithi to craft an abstract painting using dyes made from these natural materials.
Photo: [Frame from the video]: ‘The Wanderer’: Exploring Old Dhaka’s vibrant streets with glimpses of its historic architecture.
Skills Used:
Cinematography and content creation using Google Pixel.
Video editing and production with Canva and Adobe Audition.
Integration of voiceover and cinematic visuals for storytelling.
Shared on social media to reach a broader audience, this version from my collaborator’s profile reflects the high engagement and positive reception it received.
Watch the Video:
“Click here to watch the full video on Facebook”
OR scan the QR code
BOOK DESIGN
“COOKING HYMNS: WITH A TEASPOON OF STORIES”
During the 2020 pandemic, I collaborated with Quasimono, a student-led bar at Brandenburgische Technische Universität, to create Cooking Hymns: With a Teaspoon of Stories—a cookbook celebrating the diverse culinary and cultural heritage of our campus community. Stories and recipes were submitted by international students of BTU, bringing their cultural experiences to life. Published by the university and sponsored by Techniker Krankenkasse, the book paired recipes from international students with personal stories, reflecting the emotional connections we share with food.
As the graphic designer and editor, I illustrated and designed the book to visually narrate each dish’s cultural essence. This project demonstrated my ability to merge creative storytelling with design, capturing the spirit of inclusivity and community through visual communication
Photo: The top illustration complements the Chilean recipe for sopaipillas, evoking a nostalgic story of enjoying the dish during rainy days. Below is the complete cookbook page featuring the recipe, story, and illustration.
Photo: Illustration for the Mexican recipe, symbolizing how guacamole evokes a sense of home and connection to the contributor’s homeland, even from a distance.
Skills Used:
Illustration and graphic design.
Editorial design and layout.
Cultural storytelling through design.
Collaboration and project management.
“Reflection” (2021) - A visual contemplation of resilience and transformation during the pandemic year, created with acrylic and mixed media.
Exhibited at: Femme Fetale, and Sonara, 2023, Cottbus, Germany.
“Stop! Police Checkpost” (2022) - A dynamic mixed-media collage with gouache paint, reflecting themes of resistance, societal tension, and the layered realities of urban life.
Exhibited at: Femme Fetale, and Sonara, 2023, Cottbus, Germany.
HOBBIES| ARTISTIC EXPLORATIONS
Beyond my academic and professional projects, I have a deep passion for visual storytelling through various artistic mediums. This collection showcases a selection of my paintings, collages, and illustrations, each reflecting my exploration of concepts, emotions, and narratives. These works not only serve as a creative outlet but also influence my curatorial approach, allowing me to engage with diverse media and narratives.
“Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell” (2019) - A mixed-media portrayal of dualities, exploring the balance between light and darkness.
Exhibited at: Femme Fetale, and Sonara, 2023, Cottbus, Germany.
“Dhaka in Collage” (2018)- A vibrant digital collage capturing the essence of urban transit in Dhaka, created for a friend’s B.Arch thesis using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
“Mermaid Monroe” (2018)- A playful interpretation of Marilyn Monroe as a mermaid bartender in an underwater bar run by sea creatures. Created for the #Mermay Instagram challenge using Adobe Illustrator.
