Marking the International Museum Day, Bangladesh National Museum has displayed a segment of its collection of contemporary artworks in a month-long exhibition at its Nalinikanta Bhattashali Gallery in Shahbag.
Begun on May 18, the exhibition showcases 82 artworks of diverse genres and mediums by the master artists from the country and abroad.
For the art aficionados, it is a rare opportunity to have a close look at the artworks of the most revered artists of the country. The opportunity seems to be well taken by art lovers who are thronging the gallery every day to enjoy the works.
The circular wall of the big gallery gives an impression of the evolving art practices in the country over the last century, as the exhibition showcases works from as early as the first half of the last century.
Anyone visiting the gallery should surely not miss Indian artist Jamini Roy’s mixed media work where a woman offering flower is painted. Roy, who is credited to be one of the pioneer artists working exclusively on folk motifs, has incorporated some well known traits of folk elements in the painting.
A watercolour semi realistic nature painting by the country’s master artist SM Sultan, who is dubbed as man of Asia, is also a piece to enjoy. Through light watercolour washes, Sultan has evoked a semblance of nature in the work.
Quayyum Chowdhury’s lithograph titled Biral is an attractive piece too. A white mustached, vigilant cat is graphed against a black backdrop. The painting also demonstrates a few fish bones.
Another interesting painting on display is renowned artist Hashem Khan’s watercolour work titled Fisherman, which is a vibrant, picturesque portrayal of a fisherman’s family.
A pencil sketch featuring two shabby huts of famous artist Rafiqun Nabi is also on display. What would impress the visitors is the nuanced depiction of every little object in and around the huts.
For the regular gallery-goers, it should take no time to recognise Shahabuddin Ahmed’s charcoal work titled Man. The signature style of Ahmed’s depiction of strength and speed is present in the painting.
On the other hand, Syed Abdullah Khalid’s acrylic work titled Flower, is a soothing, colourful piece. While Abdus Shakoor Shah’s tapestry work titled Mask is a little foreboding and instantly attention grabbing.
Shahid Kabir’s oil painting Nurjahan, Dipa Haque’s watercolour painting Smritir Meyera, Kanak Chapa Chakma’s acrylic painting Poetry of Blue Hill and several others on display are also quite appealing.
Besides, there are a few sculptures on display at the exhibition such as famed sculptor Novera Ahmed’s Composition, done in cement and enamel, portraying a mother and child, which invite the visitors for a closer look.
Among the foreign artists’ works, there are Somnath Hore’s brush drawing titled Ma O Shishu, Abdur Rahman’s captivating etching Omar Khayyam, Ganesh Haloi’s untitled print work, Ozra Lazemi’s Gostagu and few others that deserve attention of viewers.
The exhibition will be open for all from 11am to 5pm (except Thursday) till June 17.
-With New Age input
