Visual Art as a Creative Cultural Resistance in Bangladesh: A July 2024 Uprising Perspective

Arefin Rahman Alif, Shashi Shabnam Easha, Sanjida Siddique Manomee & Md. Abdul Alim

Oct-Nov-Dec

Abstract
This research paper examines the transformative role of visual art as a creative cultural resistance during the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines survey data (n=252) with thematic content analysis, this study illustrates that a myriad forms of visual culture, spanning graffiti, murals, street art, posters, cartoons, digital illustrations, iconic imagery, and social-media content, was pivotal to portraying the oppressions, challenging the status quo and dominant narratives, serving as the source of information and communicating the protest messages, fostering a sense of solidarity, and creating a collective political memory. The ranking of visual art forms and their instrumental roles delineates the multidimensional impacts of visual culture in spearheading an artistic resistance that culminated in the overthrow of the authoritarian regime. Altogether, this paper asserts that visual art operated not only as an auxiliary catalyst but as a strategic instrument that redefined contemporary activism and protest mobilization in Bangladesh.

Keyword: Creative cultural resistance, Visual arts, Activism, Protest Movement, July 2024 Uprising

Research Area: Political Science

Country: Bangladesh

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