Beautiful display of masks at EMK Center

Human beings have been creating masks since time immortal. The oldest ones discovered dating back to 9000 years ago; masks have seen various uses over the ages. Experimenting with both traditional and modern themes, five promising artists are showcasing varied shaped colourful masks at the space of EMK Center.

Titled as “Behind The Masks II”, the participating artists -- Md. Zakir Hossain, Sajib Paul, Tushar Dey, Sabuj Das and Namirah Farzana [of the

Department of Craft, Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka] -- have come up with a brilliant assortment of a curious, strange yet masterful pieces of art at the exhibition.  They have also created vibrant masks on diverse media.

In Asian and South Asian Culture masks have commonly been used during rituals and festivals to amplify the wearers' sense of inner feeling or spirituality. Indigenous people create and wear masks to perform their traditional practices. To celebrate the traditional Bengali culture like Pahela Baishakh, masks play an important role. Each piece of mask at the exhibit has a strong identity and powerful nuance of our folk literature culture.

“Behind The Masks II” hopes to make everyone take a closer look at the mask as an emblematic object represented in human traditions and in our cultural context. The masks displayed by the artists carry a strong fascination, whether they conceal, hide or evoke identity of elegance, beauty or the social customs and different traditional society.  

Eminent artist Professor Abdus Shakoor Shah inaugurated the exhibition as chief guest while Md. Jahangir Hossain and Abdul Momen Milton, both are the teachers of the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka, attended the opening ceremony among others as special guest.

The exhibition, opening from 10am to 8pm daily, will conclude on April 26.