SHONAR BANGLA

"Shonar Bangla" is a popular phrase used by Bangladeshis meaning "Golden Bangla", originating from the title "Amar Shonar Bangla (My Golden Bangla)," which was a song, later used as the Bangladeshi national anthem. 

The concept of this design is something I'd thought of creating years ago, but my original intention was to create a painting. It was sort of a sketch that remained dormant in a book that I'd long forgotten about, until one day I revisited the old sketchbook and realized I absolutely had to execute it in one way or another. However, by that time I realized I had enough knowledge and skills in Illustrator for me to create it digitally. 

When I created this design, I wanted to create something that showed my love and appreciation for my culture and background. I am a Bengali American Muslim; I was born and raised in America, so I really wanted to create a piece dedicated to my homeland. The design consists of a variety of beauties and treasures from Bangladesh, including national fruits, flowers, and monuments. Though it is merely a glimpse at the many different things that make Bangladesh special, I simply collaged all the different things I could think of in the moment. One might even say these particular components were in some way and somehow bits and pieces from my own experiences.

I created this for every Bangladeshi that has a special place in their heart for their homeland, and I hope this is the kind of work that my people would want to hang in their homes for years to come.