Inspired by the artist’s earliest memory of his father sharing his favourite childhood snack, the exhibition includes an interactive sculpture. The sculpture resembles an antique sodium-lit “Bangladeshi sweet shop” display counter. The modern versions of these are ubiquitous throughout East London, where white fluorescents replace the nostalgic incandescent yellow.

The sculpture holds spicy seasoned fried gram flour flakes and fried chickpea flour balls soaked in sugar syrup – the two ingredients necessary to recreate the artist’s father’s beloved childhood snack. Visitors can enjoy these delicacies by mixing one half with the other. The snacks are replenished daily.

The five-day exhibition is free and open to the public from 2 pm to 6 pm, with evening programs from 7 pm to 9 pm featuring film screenings, group readings, and talks.

Short bio of Laisul Hoque: Laisul Hoque (b. 1998, Dhaka, Bangladesh) is an artist based in London. Drawing from his memories and lived experiences, he creates image-based works and installations that explore and decode microhistories and their global impacts. He earned a BA in English Literature from North South University in Dhaka and an MA in Contemporary Photography and Philosophy from Central Saint Martins in London. Hoque has exhibited his work in notable venues such as the Barbican Centre and Whitechapel Gallery.

Kobi Nazrul Centre, 30 Hanbury Street

Dates: 7-11 August 2024, 2-6 pm

Installation is free to the public – no bookings are required