L-R: Nature & Life (wood carving), Loneliness (serigraph), The King (metal brass) and The Bird (tapestry).

A nine-day solo art exhibition, titled “Manuscript of Crafts”, featuring emerging artist Saida Sultana, is on at Zainul Gallery-2, Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), Dhaka University. The exhibition is open till October 22.
Pro Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Dr. Harun-ar-Rasid inaugurated the exhibition. Dean of FFA Professor Emdadul Haque Mohammad Matlub Ali; Assistant Professor of the Department of Crafts Faruk Ahmed Molla and lecturer of the same department Abdul Momen Milton were present as special guests at the opening of the exhibition.
The collection on display includes works in various media like wood carving, serigraph, tapestry, batik, appliqué, metal (brass), watercolour and mixed media. Though folk themes are noticeable in most of her works, several of the serigraphs --“Bag & Me,” “Red Umbrella” and “Circle of Life 1 & 2” -- distinctively feature urban stories.
“As Bangladeshi crafts represent our folk art, I chose to highlight that aspect at my first solo exhibition,” Saida said.
Two of her tapestries -- “Lotus” and “Bodhu” -- stand out. “Bodhu” reminds the viewers of the Rabindra Sangeet “Krishnokoli Ami Tarei Boli”, while “Lotus” is a depiction of the quintessential Bengal beauty. Use of colourful threads with subtle artistic mutation in “Lotus” has created a certain appeal.
The artist's forte seems to be wood carvings. “Nature & Life,” “Couple 1& 2,” “Mother & Child,” “Guru,” “Life in a Vase” and “Rural Life” are the titles of her works in wood. Carving faces at the end of thin wood in “Couple 2” is a true sign of artistry. Portraying complex designs of saris further embellish the art works.
Saida Sultana stood first in both her BFA and MFA exams in 2002 and 2004 respectively. Presently working as a designer at Jatra Bangladesh Limited, the artist has also participated in several group art and craft exhibitions held between 2003-2010.