EMK Center’s ‘Us Women 2021’ celebrates female voices
"Through this initiative, we provide a platform for women to inspire and empower each other. Screening for this particular exhibition's open-call is never conducted based on artistic skills, as we focus more on the theme interpretations," shared Aisha Siddiqua, Program Assistant, EMK Center.
The artworks on display include digital art, caricatures, comics as well as watercolour and oil paintings. While some of the works challenge societal norms that lead to patriarchy and discrimination, others glorify the various roles and strengths of women.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Artist Mashiat Lamisa Kangkhita's "Possibilities" is a digital illustration that reflects on the various forms of restraint experienced by women. "Different unspoken constraints have weighed me down, reminding me that breaking certain rules would cause me to be shunned from the people I know," she explained. "As I grew older, I realised that our society is not very fond of women who are self-sufficient, assertive and out-spoken." Her artwork portrays how women always overcome certain obstacles, with their sheer willpower and determination.
Atia Maibam's artworks are influenced by her experiences as a Bangladeshi woman. In her acrylic painting, a woman sits on a lotus leaf, while some lips gossip in the background. The lotus symbolises a woman's confidence and femininity by focusing on the beauty and softness associated with it.
Artist Nuha's digital illustration, "Soul of a Bird", revolves around the abstract idea of the freedom of birds inhabiting the open sky. "For birds, life in captivity is often a death sentence. Similarly, women are meant to break free from the shackles holding them down," she said. While talking about the opportunities for emerging female artists, she noted that there is a lack of platforms that promote creativity.
"Us Women 2021" will be available for viewers on EMK Center's website till March 31, 2021.
The author is a freelance journalist. mislammonamee@gmail.com
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