Artistic Camaraderie

Clockwise (from top-left): Artworks by Nisar Hossain, Sayed Hasan Mahmud and Nasima Khanam Queenie.

A group exhibition creates a platform that encourages exchange of views among the participating painters. Often these exhibitions feature artists who share a common background, whether as students/teachers of the same institution or members of a certain group. The works may differ, based on themes, techniques and personal experiences but personal interaction plays a vital role. One such group exposition is now on at Dhaka Art Centre in Dhanmondi.
Painter Nasima Khanam Queenie, in collaboration with Dhaka Art Centre (DAC), has organised the exhibition, titled “Rejoice”, featuring the works of 17 Bangladeshi painters -- Jamal Ahmed, Sayed Hasan Mahmud, Dilara begum Jolly, Wakilur Rahman, Nisar Hossain, Atia Islam Anne, Selina Chowdhury Mili, Syeda Mahbuba Karim, Nasima Khanam Queenie, Afroza Jamil Konka, Shamsul Alam Azad, A.H. Dhali Tomal, Anukul Chandra Majumdar, Safin Omar, Mintu Dey, Ferdows Ara and Farzana Rahman. The exhibition, to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, has about 40 artworks on display.
Jamal Ahmed is the senior-most painter in the group -- recognised for his portrayal of women in their many moods, as well as riverine and rural landscapes. His “Relaxed,” a realistic piece, shows a woman lying in a sombre mood.
Nisar Hossain, Wakilur Rahman, Dilara Begum Jolly and Atia Islam Anne are socially aware painters who try to capture personal relationships as well as socio-economic and political dilemmas. Grotesque faces in different perspectives are common features in Nisar's paintings. Bright colours with sketch-oriented human figures and varied animal forms are also recurring features. His “Dance of Cannibals”, shows some evil-looking faces in red and azure.
Atia Islam Anne's paintings articulate her personal observations, experiences, understanding and deep observations on the irregularities in our society. Her canvas focuses on women's needs, despair and frustration.
Sayed Hasan Mahmud has been greatly influenced by Jackson Pollock, an influential American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. Applying pigments and assembling lines are the main aspects in his acrylic-based paintings. Bushes and deep forest have appeared in his works, as part of his recent experimentation on nature and its mysterious aspects.
Bars of mauve, in different shades and angles, are shown on Selina Chowdhury Mili's woodcut, titled “Destitute”. In a neat composition with minimum of colours, a girl's figure can be seen in an inset.
Lush greenery, water, light and shade are hallmarks of Nasima Khanam Queenie's paintings. When one closely observes Queenie's works, one perceives an emerald green vision. When light and shade harmonically blend in her work, it appears to articulate ecstasy. Her use of space brings a silent joy and contemplative ambience to the viewer.
Afroza Jamil Konka largely focuses on the female face. By and large female appearances are represented, which voice her dreams, hopes and aspirations. The artist should be more conscious of the proportion and detailing of figures, especially portrayals of visage. As a realistic or semi-realistic painter, one should be well acquainted with figure formation and its structural aspect.
Shamsul Alam Azad's mode of expression is considered to be abstract expressionism where colours have been diluted with varied forms and shades. Searching for splendour through nature is one of the recurring features in his works.
Anukul Majumdar's works delve deep into motherhood, childhood and pure rustic ambiance. He draws huge figures, which reveal his skills in drawing. His strokes are very rough, with lots of curves and twisted lines. His works express the deep essence of the meaning of life and affection.
The exhibition ends today.