The clay art organisation Bengal Terracotta has organised a nine-day exhibition where terracotta art works and clay potteries created by the traditional clay artisans are on display at the Drik Gallery of
Fine Arts at Dhanmondi in the capital.
The exhibition, with a goal to revive the lost glory of clay arts, is showcasing 44 untitled terracotta artworks and a number of colourful potteries.
The clay art plates – which are ordinary mounds of clay transformed into intricate artworks through the artistic touch of clay artisans – depict the minutest details of natural scenes and life of the commoners.
Birds, fishes, mermaids, cats, tigers, deer, trees and rivers have appeared with all their beauty in the clay artworks. One of the displayed works depicts two mermaids playing with some fishes in the depths of a sea. While another artwork portrays a few sparrow birds chirping and flying around their beautifully weaved nests hanging high in a palm tree.
The daily struggles and the lives of commoners of different occupations have been captured by the artisans. A rural young woman walking along an aisle through a paddy field with clay pitcher (kolosh) full of water has also been depicted in one of the terracottas. A female dancer can be seen dancing gracefully in another artwork at the exhibition. A group of fishermen fishing with a huge net on a boat on a vast water body has also been skillfully crafted on a clay artwork.
The exhibition also features clay potteries like vases, jugs, plates, glasses and other daily utensils. Unlike the terracotta, the earthenware contain delicate designs cloured with vivid colours like blue, red, green and orange.
Tarun Kumar Pal, chief of Bangla Terracotta, told New Age that he, his brother Shishir Kumar Pal and their friend Mintu Dey have made all the terracotta and potteries. ‘We have tried to revive the lost glory of the clay art in Bangladesh through the exhibition,’ added Tarun Pal.
Inaugurated on September 13, the exhibition will remain open for everybody from 3:00pm to 8:00pm till September 21.
-With New Age input
