Art exhibit showcases colours of Bangladesh

Nine artists from Bangladesh paint folk motifs, myths, landscape and indigenous tribes.

ISLAMABAD:

An on going exhibition by nine artists at Tanzara Art Gallery covers a wide variety of topics related to Bangladesh: from culture to sceneries to socio-economic issues.

A press handout issued by the gallery explained the themes and motifs employed by the artists being exhibited.

Abdus Shakoor Shah’s paintings illustrate Bengali folk motifs and ballads, the mahua and malua love stories and are often embellished with peacocks, parrots and other animals. Shakoor has won many national and international awards.

Another internationally recognised artist, Jamal Ahmed has surpassed his peers as an artist in the last few decades. His paintings are moving, lyrical and poised, as if one were approaching them in real life.

Kuhu Plamandon’s paintings predominantly portray working class women in diverse moods. Her lively figures dominate the canvas and are juxtaposed with floral motifs, which merge with the surrounding script of Tagore’s love letters and add a new dimension to the work.

Kanak Chanpa Chakma’s work invariably features indigenous people going about their daily chores. She is inspired by the hills, forests, waterfalls, dance and music: basically anything that defines life in Bangladesh.

Ranjit Das is celebrated for his unique style and fascinating themes. He is one of the most versatile Bangladeshi painters: equally adept in portraits, landscapes, visual rendering of socio-political and economic issues.

Rafiqul Islam’s work reverberates with a joyful blend of opulent figures and dazzling colours. His images are intense and refer to an elemental passion that is both intuitive and instinctive.

Rabeka Sultana uses a bold colour palette and her “Flower Girl” series is reminiscent of a primitive form of art that celebrates womanhood.

Rafique Ahmed’s work exhibits a miniature-like quality and his canvases are illustrated with mythical tales.

Shamim is known for his impressions of Bengali landscape and people.

The exhibition is open from 11am to 7pm except Sundays till November 5.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2012.