Art exhibition Into My Lungs exposes the human cost of cotton and fast fashion

An art exhibition titled Into My Lungs concluded on Friday at the Alliance Française de Dhaka in Gulshan. The project explored the harsh realities faced by textile and spinning industry workers through documentary film, textile art, and immersive installations.

The display sought to connect fast fashion consumers with the struggles of those who produce their clothing.

The exhibition centred on the health crises endured by textile workers, many of whom go without medical care until severe illnesses like tuberculosis develop. A documentary film revealed life-threatening conditions, including byssinosis—a lung disease caused by inhaling cotton dust.

Installations traced the journey from raw cotton to finished fabric, highlighting the human cost behind each stage. The project also emphasised the need for stronger collective action to improve working conditions, both in Bangladesh and across the global textile industry.

By combining visual art with hard-hitting storytelling, Into My Lungs pushed visitors to consider the hidden toll of fast fashion.

The exhibition closed after offering a stark look at the textile industry's impact on workers' health. Organisers aimed to spark conversations about fair labour practices and better medical support for those in garment production. The project's message now relies on audiences to carry its call for change forward.