Painting for Hope with Trapped in Zone One

Painting for Hope Workshop

Tuesday 12 & 19 November 2024, 18:00-20:00

Island Point Community Centre, 51 Sark Mews, Isle of Dogs, E14 3PW

Trapped in Zone One is hosting a series of weekly workshops with London based artist Limma Ali, inspired by this years theme of ‘Hope’ for A Season of Bangla Drama 2024 festival.

Join us across November to create your own ‘Alpona’ artwork at our centre in the Isle of Dogs.

Alpona is a traditional Bengali art form, originating from the Sanskrit word Alimpana meaning 'to plaster' or 'to coat with,' and has been practiced for over a thousand years. Initially used by Hindu women in religious rituals, alpona has evolved into a secular cultural expression in modern Bangladesh.

Today, you can find alpona adorning floors, roads, and entryways during various occasions like weddings, Pahela Baishakh, and International Mother Language Day.

Traditionally created with rice flour paste called pithuli, the motifs include sun, lotus, betel leaf, and creepers, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

The art form is known for its intricate patterns, blending nature-inspired designs like flowers and birds with more abstract forms in modern times. The secularization of alpona started during the late 19th century, as part of the movement for independence from British rule, fostering unity among diverse communities. While originally drawn with rice paste, today, artists also use poster colors or even stickers to craft these beautiful patterns, bridging tradition and contemporary art forms.

All the materials will be provided with aim of the activity is for participants to create their own interpretation of Alpona.

About Limma Ali

Limma is a multi-disciplinary artist from London, passionate about Bangladeshi heritage in her design work to engage with for a wider range of people. Limma works across digital, print and paint and have produced artworks for posters, art installations and murals. She is passionate about making art and creativity accessible to as many people as possible, especially people who don’t traditionally have easy access to art. Through her work, Limma aims to amplify Bangla culture to a wide audience.

Book Now

Please book one time slot per person. Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your booked slot. These sessions are designed for adults getting creative whilst exploring this year's theme of Hope for A Season of Bangla Drama festival.

Walk ins will not be accepted. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or please get in touch with us to allow another person(s) a chance to take part.

Important Filming and Photography Notice

Please note that filming and photography will be taking place at this event. All imagery and footage may at some point be published on the Trapped in Zone One website, social media channels, and reporting with Tower Hamlets Council.

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This event is supported by Tower Hamlets Council.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Island Point Community Centre, 51 Sark Mews, London, United Kingdom