Baishakh, with all its tempestuous beauty, never fails to spark the creative imagination of artists in this part of the world. That Bangladesh, as a nation deeply rejoices the seasonal diversities, further stimulates creative minds.
Roop Ronger Baishakh, a group art exhibition that kicked off on May 3 at Bronia Café & Gallery in Gulshan concluded yesterday, which also happened to be the last day of Baishakh, after creating considerable sway amongst art lovers in the capital. A total of 15 noted artists had come together in a workshop with Baishakh theme, which took place on April 25 and 26 prior to this exhibition. All of the 28 paintings that were on display were produced at that workshop over the two allotted days.
Artists like Fahmida Enam Kakoli, Nasima Queenie, Md. Nayeemuzzaman Bhuiyan, Suman Rahman, Syed Hasan Mahmud and others dipped their brushes in bright colours of Baishakh to produce laudable works for the exhibition.
Most of the displayed works at the exhibition were acrylics on canvas, and almost all of them had a wide range of bright colours heralding Baishakh.
Bonolata, a work done by Monjur Rashid, stood out on the wall as if to validate the existence and significance of intertextuality amongst different forms of literary and artistic works. The piece is inspired by the famed Bengali maiden from Natore, Bonolata Sen, who was created and immortalised in the 18 lines that legendary poet Jibananda Das penned 80 years ago. In an interview, Rashid said, ‘I have portrayed my interpretation of Bonolata Sen, accompanied by other symbols that represent the heart of Bengali culture and Baishakh.’
Baishakh for Rabindranath, done by Suman Rahman is another interesting work that drew attention of the visitors. The poet is seen clad in black attire against a blood red backdrop to exude an intriguing sense of melancholy.
Noted artist Nasima Queenie portrayed the unruly guise of Baishakh in her painting Rhythm of Baishakh. The work depicts a battered, storm-stricken sight of nature with bare trees that are outlined like claws.
Fahmida Enam Kakoli has presented the much practised Baishkah tradition of opening new Halkhata in her work by the same title. She has produced a cover of a halkhata, which represents the dreams and hopes that businessmen in this society hold come the first day of Baishakh.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Ekushey Padak winning artist Samarjeet Roy in presence of Moniruddin Khaled, noted literary critic; Pushish Ghosh and Abdul Jalil, the chairman and managing director of Bronia Café and Gallery respectively. The exhibition was jointly organised by Bronia Café and Studio 48.
-With New Age input
