<i>Fear is the key to Zaman's water-colours</i>
The solo painting exhibition of Asif-Uz-Zaman, with its symbolic overtures, is currently on at the Zoom Gallery of Alliance Francaise.
Speaking with The Daily Star, Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed of Biswa Shahitya Kendra, the chief guest, said that the display, “Agony of Science” should really have been titled “Agony of Humanity”. “Widespread and worldwide nature of capitalism has created unrest and chaos. This has taken mankind into a state of fear and angst", he said.
“The ensuing decadence”, he continued, “Recalls Edward Munch's famous painting Cry." "The basic inspiration has been split and the turnout is the subject of young Zaman's present endeavour,” Sayeed said.
“The elements of fear and anxiety have been aptly and beautifully combined in most of the water-colours. Apart from his theme, the technique, which attempts to capture a dull gray ambiance is subtle and suitable -- specially the predominance of jet- black, gray and brown”, Sayeed added.
On the popularity of contemporary works such as Zaman's, Sayeed said, “The viewers have not been that well exposed, but the artists, as a class, have been cultivated over 36 years. However, there is a lack of patronage for artists throughout Bangladesh. Those who love art often don't have the means to back their appreciation by buying of the artworks.”
Jacques Bounin, the Cultural Director of Alliance Francaise said, “The exhibition today is an interesting one. This is firstly because a young, talented artist has presented something thought provoking. One must 'feel' the paintings and not merely 'see' them. I believe that Zaman is a promising artist, who with good patronage, should go a long way. Like other beginners in contemporary art Zaman also wants to share his ideas with his viewers and not just make the quick buck.”
The artist presents the present chaotic and quixotic world with its many proofs of disharmony, discontentment and destruction the world over, reiterated Moinudddin Khaled, the noted art critique. Khaled said, "The alien aspects of the world today usher in violence, which dehumanize mankind -- examining the scenario globally. People express their protest very much openly and bitterly. They are overwhelmed by their disastrous destiny ."
"Thus the distorted faces in the paintings, with their curvilinear lines and startling colours -- with purple put next to green --create a vertigo effect,” said Khaled. This ultimately imparts the feeling of horror and fear", he added.
Asif-Uz Zaman, throwing light on his paintings, said,” In my 19 water colours and two mixed medias, I've tried to utilize my five-year course at BAFA, and my earlier expertise in drawing as a student of Botany. My ultimate goal is not to sell my paintings but to share my opinions with my viewers. In my view science is believed to be a boon for humanity but in the ultimate analysis we see that there are loopholes to this belief.”
The exhibition will end on November 15.
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