Capturing the essence of Tagore on T-shirts

Nitya Upohar, an offbeat shop that promotes Bangali culture using T-shirts as a medium of expression, has recently organised a 15-day exhibition to celebrate the poet-philosopher-musician-writer Rabindranath Tagore's 143rd birth anniversary.

Eminent cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar and his daughter Tropa Majumdar inaugurated the exhibition featuring eight different T-shirts, exposing the underlying emotions of Tagore's creations designed by artists Dhrubo Esh, Najib Tareque and Sabyasachi Hajra.

'The heritage and soul of Bangali culture is centralised on the life and philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore; in fact, he along with his creations is part of our everyday life,' said Bahar Rahman, the organiser of the exhibition. The innovative exhibition is the first of its kind.

Advocating the true form of culture, Bahar doesn't treat his new concept just as a selling product. 'One of the noteworthy things is that we always give the credit to the artists who design the T-shirts by using their signature on the T-shirts,' he said.

An acclaimed graphic designer Dhrubo Esh designed the T-shirts titled Dhyani, Antoro momo bikoshito koro and Ami aaj Kanai Master. Dhyani depicts Tagore's contemplative motif coloured in black and ochre on a white background, while the verse, Antoro momo bikoshoto koro portrays a royal blue background with an ochre motif of Tagore's face on it. Ami aaj Kanai Master is the only colourful piece for children.

Nabo anondey jago, Ram Kinkor O Rabindranath and Ke bolego shei probhate nei ami are the creations by Sabyasachi Hajra. Sculptures of Rabindranath by Ram Kinkor Bais and other art forms are used as motifs on an olive green background with a verse Rabir kirone hashi chhoraiya written on it. The verse Nabo anondey jago is inscribed in red on a black T-shirt. 'My last salutations are to them, who knew me imperfect and loved me' printed on ivory background creates an artistic impact.

Written in black and red combination on grey background, the piece Ja peyechhi prothom diney is a tasteful creation of Najib Tareque. The style titled Geetanjali presents an excerpt of Tagore's poem Little Flute in an artistic manner.

On the occasion of Tagore's birth anniversary, the T-shirts are a fitting tribute to the great poet. They also attract the younger generation and revive the nation's pride in its unique culture.