Anukul Chandra Mojumder’s ‘Dawn of Black’ at Edge Gallery

Renowned artist Anukul Chandra Mojumder sees life and nature in their close proximities and weaves sagas of his artistic dreams with signature styles. His depiction of despair, pain and struggle, and man’s indomitable spirit to overcome them are portrayed brilliantly. The artist’s solo exhibition, ‘Dawn of Black’ opened at Edge Gallery, Gulshan 2, on April 27.

Anukul’s blissful childhood reflects in his artworks, speaking of nostalgia through the imageries of colourful twilight, the gleaming of a beautiful dawn against the eastern horizon and other motifs. He uses thought-provoking and suggestive symbols of rural lives in urban context to compose his artworks.

Human figures running, resting, dancing, skipping and being entwined with nature are themes that Anukul repeats in his paintings and sketches. With unpolished strokes, curves and twisted lines, his paintings often feature bold, brutal and horrifying imagery. He does not hesitate to draw what is conventionally considered ‘ugly’. Unattractive appearance, obese figures, languid eyes and unshapely forms are also noticeable features of his paintings.

Over the years, he has carved a niche in the realm of art. His paintings are characterised by symbolic images and experimentations. Creative expressions coupled with mature hues, unmatched compositions, proper space and dexterity in drawing, have become the hallmark of his art.

His desires, emotions and aspirations are strongly allied with the masses of Bangladesh. He wants to focus on their strength, their dreams and their love for the country. Appearing in motion, his subjects have a realistic attachment with lines, articulating sorrow and profound romanticism. With elements of nature in

the backdrop, his lines and curves follow those of Ajanta and Elora cave drawings, which he merges with his own style to add a modern edge. Floating boats, flowing rivers and rain are included in Anukul’s study of man and nature. The exhibition will run till May 18.