Arzu Tarafdar, an artist from Jeoldanga, Habra approximately 50 km from Kolkata—draws deep inspiration from the agricultural landscapes, greenery, and wetlands of the region. Growing up in a farmer's family, Tarafder developed a profound connection with the environment, which continues to shape their artistic practice. With a background in sculpture, Tarafder has gained extensive experience working with diverse materials, including clay, wood and stone must in shellac. Experimentation with various types of clay has enabled a deeper understanding of the physical and material properties of different soils. Additionally, their work has extended to exploring different species of trees and roots, further strengthening their engagement with natural materials.

As an art practitioner, Tarafder is deeply invested in examining the intersections of culture, history, and philosophy. Their work frequently explores themes of natural resources, existentialism, and the human condition, aiming to provoke thought and encourage reflection. By employing diverse mediums such as conceptual sculpture, drawing, and site-specific installations, they investigate complex narratives surrounding identity, impermanence, and humanity’s evolving relationship with the environment. Tarafder’s projects often respond to contemporary issues, including ecological sustainability, caste-based discrimination, and the socio-political dynamics of resource extraction. Through their artistic endeavors, they seek to challenge perceptions, foster deeper engagement, and redefine the role of art in addressing pressing societal and existential questions. Their practice is ultimately a journey of inquiry, bridging the tangible and intangible to explore the intricate layers of meaning within the world.

Arzu Tarafder’s notable exhibitions include early participations with the Banipur Art Society and Institute of Culture in West Bengal in 2019 followed by the 43rd and 44th Annual Exhibitions organized by Pato Tuli–Halisahar Sanskriti Parishad. In 2022 Tarafder collaborated with Anupam Roy on the mixed-media sculpture Deconstruct the Word Rottenness which was presented as part of Roy’s solo exhibition Broken Cogs in the Machine at Vadehra Art Gallery. In 2023 Tarafder participated in Turning: On Field and Work curated by Vidya Shivadas at the Serendipity Arts Festival in collaboration with Panjeri Artists’ Union. In 2024 the artist presented work in Seemanta Sahare Ha Ja Ba Ra La: Anomalies of the Border Town at Lalgola MN Academy and in Loose Stitches Lived Armouries Subterranean Formations and Other Fragments at Beyond the Edge while also being a grantee of the Generator Cooperative Art Production Fund at Experimenter Labs all with Panjeri Artists’ Union. In 2025 Tarafder exhibited Every Land Is Karbala at Arthshila and later participated in Structures.of Experience Architectures of Resistance Collectivities of Care with Panjeri Artists’ Union at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.