Shwasmul, “Breathing for Arts,” is a platform of fresh air for creative souls. It is an open space for contemporary art and artists, and through the amalgamation of collective forms of art and open discussion, with relevance to the historical, modern, and quaint social-political-cultural connectivity of the southern part of Bangladesh, Shwasmul is always inclined to explore unexplored talents.

Gum print, also known as gum dichromate, is an ancient medium that has been used for printmaking for over a century. One of the benefits of gum print is that it can be done without the need for a printmaking studio facility, as the process can be done in a darkroom or even outdoors. The final result is a print with a dreamy, ethereal quality, and a unique, one-of-a-kind appearance. The process is also versatile, allowing for experimentation with different colors and textures. This ancient medium helps to contemporary artists are rediscovering the possibilities of gum print and incorporating it into their work.

As its first program, Shwasmul recently organized a week-long workshop on gum printing and is working passionately to make this type of program happen regularly.