‘Kisholoy’: An emerging artist makes her debut

Paintings by Nawshaba DaliyaCultural Correspondent

Nawshaba Daliya's first solo exhibition titled, 'Kisholoy', is now on at Zainul Gallery, Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), Dhaka University.

The exhibition highlights a touch of rustic life and surreal expressions that unfolded the earlier experiences of the artist. It's a brilliant spectre of colours through which the artist expressed her emotions towards her rural home.

Painting is Daliya's passion and when she finds time from her painting, she delves into other things. "Not the other way around of making time out from other things for painting," she says.

"I love brightness and probably that's the reason why the radiance of colours is noticeable even in my dark and sombre paintings," says Daliya. "Each person has his or her individual taste. Just because a painting features shadow, it does not mean that it has to be dark and gloomy. This aspect can also be portrayed with a vibrant set of colours."

"Everything -- trees, grass, smells, the overall atmosphere inspired me in Thakurgaon, the place where I used to live. Basically I am a country girl, born and raised in proximity to nature. It helped me wonder as well as to wander about. The memories of the shaal bon would call me again and again. Not to mention the raw smell of hay, the cornfields, etc. I still cherish those early years of my life," the artist says.

"You will find in my paintings how the light and shade play, the essence of which I had sustained all these long years and that finally found a release through my art," she adds.

About being a second year MFA student of Graphic Design at FFA, DU and already having an exhibition of her works, she says, "This is a very delightful experience. Of course all kudos goes to my mother, my family, Monir, Tirana, Milon and all the people who have supported me."

The painting "Shaal Bon" evokes the feeling of loneliness that is evident when anyone is in that particular place. "Even if you go to a shaal bon with a group of friends, it is the same. The same feeling of emptiness," Daliya says.

The series, "Mouno", has portraits of three women's faces, all with eyes shut. From one, a drop of tear can be traced while the other two look lost, dreaming but not happy. "They are not happy. Just like all the other women in society who are kept chained by social obligations no matter how far we are educated or how high we go in our careers.” That expression of anxiety, closure and refrain are the elements of this painting.

A very traditional look is pervasive throughout her work, either in the shadow of the jele (fisherman) or of the paintings of Dahlia (the flower). The artist's works have the flamboyance and spirit of our country's art that separates it from that of the rest of the world.

The exhibition ends on November 7.