Bhabna gets creative with make-up

Ashna Habib Bhabna is known for her multitude of talents. She is spending her self-isolation days at home by practicing dance and working on her upcoming books, among other things. Recently, she shared pictures of some of her artworks, created with different make-up products, on Facebook. "Besides acting, dancing and writing, I like to express myself through painting. I was pretty good in art during my school days," shares the artiste.

Her followers and other noted artistes appreciated her artworks. She even received requests to exhibit her paintings in the future.  "I got calls from the Indian High Commission. They said that using make-up for art is a new technique and I must think about exhibiting my work," says Bhabna, "some of my artist friends called and said that they can recommend brushes, colours and other necessary materials for me to paint.  However, I thought of using my own resources, as I am enjoying this."

One of Bhabna's artworks, created with eye-shadow, mascara, pen and colour pencils, represents nature and the connection between a mother and child. Bhabna dedicated the painting to her best friend, who is going to be a mother soon.

"Tobuo Jibon, another one of my works, reflects a harsh truth about life. I wanted to portray giants, essentially humans in disguise, who are suppressing the underprivileged classes," says Bhabna. "You see, I was devastated when I saw the RMG workers risking their lives to come back to work, because they are helpless. I purposely made the artwork cartoonish, with colour pencils, eye brow pencil, kohl and pens. It showcases the vulnerability of the marginalised communities. I wanted to protest in my own way with this artwork."

Another artwork by the artiste showcases sexual domination and violence against women. It is her way of expressing anguish against violence. Bhabna used foundation, eye brow pencil, pencils and kohl for this artwork.

"Padmo Kumari is drawn with lipstick, eye shadow, pen and blue mascara. Lotus is one of my favourite flowers, and I decorated it with Beli Phul from my mother's garden. It reflects the connection between humans, trees and flowers," she says.

Bhabna further discussed her artwork, My Baby Elephant. "Elephant is my most favourite animal. I love buying elephant-themed souvenirs whenever I am travelling," she explains. Even my friends and family give me elephant-themed gifts on different occasions. My Baby Elephant is created with liquid lipstick, nail polish, eye shadow and kohl. It depicts a young elephant who is born into a colourful world, where darkness cannot touch it."

For her sketch, Krishna, Bhabna used blue mascara, eye shadow, pen and lipstick. "Musician Emon Saha liked it very much and I wanted to gift this painting to him," says Bhabna.

 "The place where artistes create their art is very special and auspicious for them. For me, that place is my make-up table.  I write and paint in that spot," she adds.