Published on 12:00 AM, January 30, 2017

A love affair with nature

Mokhlesur Rahman's “Beautiful Bengal” at Shilpangan

The artist (L) gives the guests a tour of the exhibition.

The idyllic landscape of Bangladesh has given birth to many artists, singers and poets.  An artist's creation deeply resonate with the images shaped by childhood memories in their mind's eye. Mokhlesur Rahman is such an artist who brilliantly depicts the unparalleled beauty of Bengal.

The artist's patriotic passion is noticeable in several of his works. The sloping beauty of Hijol (Barringtonia acutangula), the blossoming Shapla and water hyacinths, water bodies beside lush greenery and the beauteous contrast of lightning beaming through dark clouds appear in one of his acrylic work “My Homeland-4”. 

Another acrylic with the same title encapsulates the land's riverine beauty with sailing boats, huts, palm trees, greenery and monsoon clouds. The mature hues of blue mingled with crimson, red and burnt sienna represent the textured clouds. The artist has used both symmetrical and asymmetrical lines to induce mobility in his depiction of nature. He has showcased the conventional aspects of nor'westers of Bengal in another acrylic. 

His untitled works evoke semi-abstract and abstract feelings while some of his woodcut prints express the rhythm of bold and coloured forms. The mysterious visions, intriguing light and shades, magical brush strokes and textures are other aspects of Mokhlesur's art that usher in the veiled charm.   

Renowned artist Mokhlesur Rahman completed his BFA and MFA from the Department of Print Making, University of Dhaka. He took part with his works at Bangladesh National Pavilion in the 55th Venice Biennale 2013. He exhibited his works in Bangladesh festival in Kuwait, India, France, Japan, Germany and eight editions of Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh and received the grand award in the 10th Edition of Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh. 

Pierre Mayaudon, Ambassador Delegation of The European Union to Bangladesh inaugurated the two week (January 28 – February 10) long exhibition titled “Beautiful Bengal” at Shilpangan gallery on January 28. Farooq Sobhan, former foreign secretary and president, Bangladesh Enterprise Institute attended the event as special guest while art connoisseur and columnist Rubana Huq was present as guest 

of honour. 

The show will run from 3pm to 8pm daily.