Artistic unity in diversity

It might be termed as an intimate bond between artists who shared the same room 116 of the North Building of Jagannath Hall, University of Dhaka (DU) at various times. The artists are all former and current students of the Faculty of Fine Art (FFA), DU. 

Some of them are talented, promising artists; some are teachers of FFA and one is an established actor and artist. The 24 artists have showcased their works in a group art show titled “Room Number 116” at Zainul Galley-2, FFA, DU.

The artworks are diverse in their nature, media and display. One of the pieces that catch the attention immediately is an innovative sculpture titled “The Messengers” (bronze, brass and iron) by Tejosh Halder Josh. Talented sculptor Shyamal Chandra Sarker's sculpture “Death of Innocence” (brass) is a symbolic representation of gauging freedom. The work reminds us of the state machinery's malevolence in curbing freedom of speech and dissidence. Ashim Halder Sagor's “Intimate Hope -2”, an experimental Raku sculpture, is suggestive of human beings' close affinity with nature.

Malay Bala -- the Chairman and Associate Professor of the Department of Oriental Art of FFA, DU, portrays the saga of Shakuntala. This time he has depicted another aspect of the mythical tale, “Regrets for Luxurious Sin” where King Dushyanta is repenting for hunting innocent deer. The oriental-style work is modern in approach. Two lecturers -- Sumon Baidya and Amit Nandi -- of the same department have depicted oriental works titled “Aji Jhoro Jhoro Mukhoro Badoro Din-e” and “In the Midst of Eternal Beauty” respectively.

Noted printmaker Ashit Mitra's marvelous rendition of nature deserves accolades for his depiction of minute details. Actor-artist Pran Roy's acrylic work “Friendship” showcases a woman lavishing attention on her pet dog. Manabendra Ghosh's “Composition” is a mixed media work. The artist mainly used straw to make a beautiful sculpture. Ratnashwar Sutradhwar's oil on canvas contains an unusual game of light and shade circling geometric abstraction.  

The exhibition is dedicated to Ranabir Paul whose untimely demise haunts all of his fellow artists. Ranabir's two ceramic works are also on display while Shidhartha Dey has depicted the visage on Ranabir in his mixed work called “Nostalgic”.

The other participating artists of the exhibition are Anik Saha, Dipak Sarkar, Gouranga Bairagi, Joydeb Biswas, Nirmol Adhikary, Prashanta Saha, Prince Shil, Ranajit Kumar Mistry, Sanad Biswas, Suman Kumar Baral, Swapan Kumar Sana and Utpal Bhowmik.

The opening ceremony of the exhibit was held on May 21 and had as guests  Professor Mohit-ul-Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University; Dr. Asim Sarkar, Provost Jagannath Hall, DU; Professor Golam Rabbani, Professor Jamal Ahmed and noted actor Azad Abuk Kalam. The exhibition ended yesterday.