‘Parampara’ celebrates art and family history

Parampara, a slightly different exhibition, opened at Gallery Chitrak on February 15. While it is still a regular display of photographs and paintings, what makes it unique is the tribute it pays, as well as the lives of the two generations of artists it celebrates.

Parampara is an ode to artist Rashidun Nabi (1914-1995). Besides his own art practices, throughout his life, he also ensured that his children are just as inspired to pursue art. In order to pay respect to such a fact, Parampara exhibits a collection of his most powerful artworks, alongside that of his sons, the distinguished artists Rafiqun Nabi and Rezaun Nabi, renowned photographer Tauhidun Nabi as well as his daughter-in-law, Sohana Shahreen.

The exhibition was opened by eminent artist Mustafa Monwar, chaired by Professor Bulbul Osman, with painter Hashem Khan as the special guest. The artists began the ceremony by talking about their late father and the life he'd lived. Despite his love for art, Rashidun Nabi unfortunately never had a proper exhibition or received recognition for the talented artist he truly was. As it so often happens, life takes you places the hard way and art falls behind. Parampara fulfills such a long gone wish, and also greatly celebrates his successors, who say they are nothing without their father's contribution to their creativity.

Rashidun Nabi gifted many of his paintings to his close ones. Subsequently, collecting all of his best works were difficult. Nevertheless, around 70 paintings are on exhibit at the event. Most of his paintings portray a raw and rural Bangladesh – from its villages to its boats, rivers, birds, animals as well as its ever changing seasons and its women – through ink or watercolour on paper. Some of Rashidun Nabi's clay works are also on display.

Other art pieces displayed include Rafiqun Nabi's pencil sketches, woodcuts, charcoal drawings on paper, Tauhidun Nabi's photographic captures from his travels to India, Egypt, Bhutan, Singapore and Paris, as well as Rezaun Nabi and Sohana Shahreen's acrylic and watercolor paintings on canvas.

Parampara will remain open for all until February 29 at Gallery Chitrak from 10 am to 8 pm every day.