Gaan - by Ayman Hassan

My submission represents the musical culture of Bangladesh, where music is a big part of the nation's identity and unity. It is a symbol of the expressive parts of my country that represent spirituality and storytelling.

My submission is a depiction of the Ektara - a one-stringed musical instrument (where the naem is derived from Sanskrit words) that is played for folk/village music in Bangladesh, though it's also used in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. I drew it from a reference of the Ektara on display in my room, and since the string is broken and can't be played, I decided to draw it. I also drew the background to represent the colors of my nation's flag.

I chose this topic because I remember from a young age the times I visited my parents' villages and heard this instrument play during evening gatherings. Despite there being only one string and it producing a simple sound, upon hearing it, gives me a instant sensation of nostalgia and cultural identity. Anytime I hear the sound of the Ektara, I get reminded of my parents' villages, even though I am now on the other side of the world.