Existence Delineated
Brilliant artistry with social messages on Urmi’s canvases
Believers of the ‘art for art’s sake’ school of thought argue that art does not require serving any social or egalitarian purposes; it can exist simply because it is art. Still, they would not probably mind if art did address burning issues of the world and excelled in artistic aesthetics at the same time, as depicted in the artworks of Bangladeshi-Canadian artist and activist Fahmida Urmi Hossain.
A large number of Urmi’s works that are on display at her sixth solo, are loaded with brilliant artistry and strong social messages at the same time. The artist and the social activist in Urmi are equally present on her canvases, neither are in conflict with each other, rather they make a perfectly balanced unified whole, which can be deemed a commendable feat for an artist.
The exhibition titled Existence Delineated at Dhaka Art Centre at Dhanmondi in the capital has a wide range of artworks on offer. The spectrum of Fahmida Urmi Hossain’s works cover paintings, photographs, installations and video.
Even in the 21st century, child marriage remains to be one of the most burning issues of Bangladesh. Urmi has addressed this social evil in strong defiance in different forms of art.
Evolving Saga-5, an acrylic on canvas, strikes as one of her most powerful works at the exhibition. The artwork portrays a woman who gradually evolves and breaks away from the chains that bound her. What appears to cause her freedom is education, as there is a book on the painting that says ‘Amar Poran Jaha Chai’ (What my heart desires).
Urmi conveyed to New Age that she has been working with the victims of child marriage for the past few years and she feels very passionately about the issue, which is quite evident in her works. The video, which is made with a series of photographs that she took of girls who were married off before adulthood also provokes strong emotions for the rights of women.
The installation work at the exhibition is also a bold work by Urmi. On a wall, she has hung two garlands that symbolise marriage. Urmi has nailed one of the garlands higher on the wall than the other one, which reflects the male dominance in our society. Urmi has also created a booth with pitch black cloth, where visitors are asked to go in. There is a small window in the booth that provides a view of the outside world.
The installation suggests that women who are deprived of their rights of education and are victims of child marriage go through the similar experience all their lives. Even though there is light, they are covered in cloaks of darkness.
Feminism is not the only theme of Urmi’s works. She has also shown commendable skills with the camera in her Vanishing Point Series. Began on August 30, the exhibition will end today. Fifteen percent of the total amount collected from the exhibition and sales will be donated to Acid Survivors Foundation. – See more at: http://newagebd.net/46817/brilliant-artistry-with-social-messages-on-urmis-canvases/#sthash.6CFWzLx5.dpuf
-With New Age input
