Ashraf's enamel-like acrylics
Presenting the inner turmoil of man and combining it with the turns and twists of tree roots and branches-- seen in nature-- he has sometimes brought in elements like fresh scarlet blossoms or hovering topaz and black butterflies. This was to symbolise man's hope and his dreams. The turns and twists of the roots and partial figures of human beings, with their limbs, torso, back and bosom, were presented in a unique, sensuous manner. He believes that nature is imbued with life in the same way as man; and that there is no limit to where the flora ends and fauna begins. In his vision there is a transformation of human parts into ones seen around nature. Muscles of limbs appeared like roots of trees at times. There was a magnificent juxtaposition of man and nature.
Ashraf, who indulges in poring over philosophy and poetry books, developed a love of nature being motivated by the idyllic surroundings in his hometown Chittagong. He had been exposed to trees, branches and flowers for years. Though his vision was pessimistic at times, there was pulsating visual beauty in his delicate lines, and his enamel -like use of vibrant reds and blues. There was also an ample use of pearly grays and russet too giving his figures a mellow, translucent effect.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "I have related man with nature, showing him as almost a part of nature. I have left out the head, as man's feelings are often suppressed. However, paintings such as the one with the female form with a butterfly perched on the waist, speak of joyful dreams. I have depicted the woman as an integral part of the roots and trunks of trees as in Roots-3. Despite the weariness, fever and fret of existence, man dreams on, " said Ashraf. Burn-20 bore a blossom with a shoe-shaped snake eyeing the flower burst-- cushioned on a human chest-- from atop a branch.
Both evil and innocence coexisted in most of the paintings. Hope and frustration were found in the vast acrylic works, the impassioned feelings being symbolised in the tense muscles and twisted tree parts. Buoyant colours were there to relieve the gathering gloom. Music of life had branches and emerald leaves twisted and intertwined into dancing human forms. It had gray, intermingling with ruby-red and jade-green. "I've attempted to create a sense of tension by my sweeps and curves," Ashraf commented.