Dhaka through the eyes of artists

Rose Garden from the dark clouds by Hamiduzzaman Khan

Explaining the raison d'etre of the exhibition, Rumi Noman, director of Shilpangan Gallery, says, "The aim of the display is to make people think about the need to preserve the city's glorious heritage. We have had a very good response from the public."

A long time watcher of the art scene, Fauzul Karim, also a media consultant, adds, "Such an exhibition can go a long way in reminding people about their past and revive their nationalism. Just see some of the changes--only 350 years ago foreign ships used to come to the Buriganga."

Some of the artists who displayed their works at Shilpangan gave a first hand view of the city through their eyes:

Rafiqun Nabi
One of Nabi's works depicts a horse carriage in old Dhaka. A watercolour in shades of green, yellow and grey, this painting evokes the Dhaka of his childhood and adolescence. Says a nostalgic Nabi, " The carriages were a common mode of transport at a time when motor cars--mostly Fords--were few and far between."

Nabi harks back to what he calls a "different era", a Dhaka replete with greenery and still a small, friendly city. However, he says, there are some welcome changes. For one, Dhaka has become a major art centre, with numerous artists (an estimated 5,000 working artists) and 15 art galleries.

Nabi bemoans the lack of streamlined town planning in Dhaka, which is exemplified by the haphazard proliferation of buildings. "From what I hear, the town planning here is definitely not on par with other cosmopolitan cities in the world," he asserts.

Hamiduzzman Khan
One of Khan's eye-catching watercolour works is a view of Curzon Hall. Once it housed British offices and today it is the science faculty of Dhaka University. "I am proud of this 100-year structure. Likewise denizens of Dhaka should feel great about the old city which dates back about 400 years," maintains Khan. Another source of inspiration for Khan is the Armenian Church which goes back by 200 years. "One can still see the beautiful church," says Khan, who has also done works on the Rose Garden.

Khan believes that the theme of the exhibition is appropriate as it zeroes in on the need to preserve Dhaka's precious heritage. He asserts that there is a possibility of a second such display in time to come. In the meanwhile, he points out, town planners should rationalise future construction.

Ivy Zaman
One of Ivy's works is based on the Lalbagh fort. A watercolour in shades of pink, blue and green, the painting depicts the fort as it is today. "I like this work because it is based on history," says Ivy who is better known as a sculptor. Ivy also points to other works: one a painting of SM Hall in the University and the other of the Nimtoli Palace, which is broken and now houses the Asiatic Society.

Despite the proliferation of buildings in Dhaka, Ivy is optimistic about the future. As she says, "Dhaka is my home. However, we need better organisation and planning, while keeping our traditions alive."

This exhibition should not be missed by anyone who loves his or her city--notwithstanding all its noise, smells, traffic and pollution. By viewing Dhaka as it once was, viewers and conservationists may be motivated to preserve the city's grand heritage.