Unmasking the art of mask
Group exhibition at Shilpakala
The history and usage of masks -- for both ceremonial and practical purposes -- dates back to several millennia. The flamboyant presence of masks in many traditional festivals and rituals has a prehistoric origin. Mask making continues to be popular in our country, as it hangs on walls in homes to augment their artistic splendour.
A group exhibition titled Mystery in Mask is now on at Gallery 6 of the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), where 20 female artists are showcasing a stunning array of ceramic masks. The display, which is categorised on four themes -- Green Man Mask, Dual Existence, Three Faces and Zentangle -- is an aesthetic triumph.
Trimatra, in association with BSA, has organised the exhibition. It is an outcome of a year-long workshop in three phases, according to Fatema Akther, the convener of Trimatra and the curator of the show.
“The Zentangle art pattern is non-representational, unplanned and delightfully stunning. We incorporated it in masks to express the special feelings that continuously work in our mind,” she says. “Three Faces represents the state of a woman in all her three stages of life while dual existence denotes the good and bad qualities of someone.”
She adds that European artists protested the waning of forests wearing 'Green Man' masks. We, too, face the same in our country. Through displaying these masks, the artists are urging everyone to go green.
Tanjila Sumaia Siddiqye's Zentangle mask is a unique one. She delicately designed the vivacious mask with superb facial expression. Husnaara Shely and Mukti Bhowmik have more works to display at the show. Shely's works are easily distinguishable, as she has attached various crafts materials with it. Among the senior artists, Akhtar Jahan Ivy's mask is evocative of lyrical designs and pure terracotta colour. Raisa Manija has showcased a theme-based work titled Japito Jibon. The other participating artists include Farzana Islam Milky, Farhana Afroz Bappy, Saida Sultana Rana, Afia Noor and Sunzida Meherin Sonia.
Renowned sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan, who is also participating as a guest artist at the event, inaugurated the show on November 9. The exhibition is open from 11am to 8 pm daily until November 15.
Ceramic artists in Bangladesh face immense pressure while making their artworks, since ceramic needs to be burned in order to be moulded. If BSA sets up a specialized studio including a stove to do the required moudling, all artistes would be benefitted greatly.