The on going 2nd Inter-Private University Painting Competition and Exhibition at the gallery has been organised by Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and was inaugurated by noted artist Murtaja Baseer on June 3.

According to Baseer, "The study and practice of arts gives one freedom to express the innermost feelings, be it through nature, abstract form or the depiction of still life.

"It is heartening to see that the pursuance of art is encouraged and exhibited by IUB. This effort will help us all to escape the monotony of routine life and indulge in a few moments at a collage of vibrant colours, ideas and intense feelings."

Fifty six young artists from six private universities -- IUB, University of Asia Pacific (UAP), Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology (SMUCT), BRAC University, East West University (EWU) and University of Development Alternative (UODA) are taking part in the competition and exhibition.

From pencil and ink sketches to crayons, oil as well as water colours, life-like portraits to depictions of mythical scenes, classical and modernist approach -- this exhibition has it all.

A work that is sure to strike one's fancy is an installation by Subas Chandra Nath of UODA -- an old-fashioned deshi (local) window complete with wooden panels, frame and a lock. Splashes of colours have been used on the panels; lines and different shapes have also been painted.

Arafat Hossain's (of SMUCT) portrait of an Adivasi (indigenous) woman wearing hoops, smoking a pipe demonstrates the artist's depth and perception of capturing a moment on canvas. This crayon sketch and another portrait by Arafat -- a young girl holding a rooster -- are notable.

Farhana Haque Urmi, Maliha Wadi Pala and Md Mahbubul Alam -- all from IUB have given 'Mona Lisa' new looks. Leonardo Da Vinci's timeless creation appears in sarees, decked with bindi (decorative dot on the forehead). The hairstyle changes; so do her apparel and the backdrop.

Salbhi Sumaiya and Samsun Nahar Sobhan's (both of SMUCT) sketches of what appears to be carvings, often seen at ruins of ancient Buddhist monasteries or palaces, have been done deftly. Precision of highlighting the curves and features unique to this part of the world is remarkable.

One can spend hours at the exhibition, appreciating works of the young artists. Going by the artworks on display, an optimistic future awaits the Bangladeshi art scene.

The exhibition ends today.