Parade of nonpareil prints

Clockwise (from left): Artworks by Kalidas Karmakar, Rafi Haque, Monirul Islam and Afroza Zamil Konka.

The Shilpangan autumn extravaganza of prints by well-known artists is a nonpareil one. With two wooden frescos and status for its backdrop -- with the eternal theme of the mother and child and the steadily struggling bullock cart of the farmer, the gallery is certainly a place to visit. The heart leaps up at the treasure trove of prints, with their layers of themes and range of styles and techniques.
Here Monirul Islam is shown along with Kalidas Karmakar. Shahid Kabir is there too with his subtle, unforgettable lines and colours. The bags of grape fruit, with purple and red hues, seem so alive that one almost stops to pick one up and sample. The insight, imagination, dexterity and masterful presentation takes one's breath away. With the economy of colours, of black and white, the drama and mystery of Kalidas Karmakar's massive print is heightened. Kalidas has always been brave in his combination and selection of images that speak of an in-depth study of the culture and civilisation of Bangladesh. In his print can be found the figure of the Goddess Kali with outthrust tongue, wearing a necklace of skulls. The portrait of the Mughal empress Noorjahan, in all her glory, and more images from the Mughal court.
Monirul Islam, with the knowledge, which he has culled from sunny Spain, laughter and zest for living, is surely unsurpassed. With lines, strokes and cascading gentle colours the images bring in both man and machine. Nature too has been included in the tiny images of flower, rivulets and what you will. They bring in the crescent moon in the sky and flowers on long, dainty stalks. Included also are images of men and women -- eager for sips of the drink of life. One is reminded of lines by Romantic poets, such as John Keats' “Tender is the night. And haply the Queen Moon with all its starry fays.”
Younger printmakers, like Nagarbashi Barman, Proshanto Karmakar, and Selina Chowdury, are not to be outdone.
Proshanto's Liberation War images depict men and sari-clad women with fists in the air -- scenes that touch the depth of mind and soul. They are there to enchant and amaze you like their senior counterparts.
Laila Sharmeen has delighted her viewers with her presentation of delicate images that go along the lines of poetry. Tiny ducks, thatched huts, boats, flowers and banana trees along with flowers and fish are seen in her print. Even though Sharmeen is away in the US, her work is here to remind us of her spirited self. No way less interesting are the work of Rashid Amin with the minimal use of colours and strokes, both vertical and horizontal, with suggested images of hanged men.
Not to be outdone, spirited Rafi Haque has his print with images that leap with life and speak of his contented days and study -- both at home and overseas.
The exhibition continues till November 15.