Most Read

Flowers say it all

10 January 2005, 18:00 PM
LIFESTYLE
By Cultural Correspondent
10 January 2005, 18:00 PM
Flowers that win hearts. Photo: Afsar Ahmed
Seven bright red gladiolas blooming on a startling piece of dead tree branch. To contrast the colour synchronisation, were added white, magenta, purple daisies and some wild ferns and scattered small stones. These gave it a lyrical quality. Placed on a tray with watery surface the whole creation depicted a perfect panoramic wild landscape. This was how Rahima Afroz arranged flowers with her splendid aesthetic sense in the UNESCO Club Flower Show Competition-2005, held on Sunday last, at the Central Public Library, Dhaka and won the first prize in the natural flower category. Organised by the National Association of UNESCO Clubs in Bangladesh, the daylong flower show competition drew a huge crowd.

A total of 40 participants took part in the two categories: natural and artificial flowers. This year's theme was the Ikebana, a Japanese art of flower arrangement developed in the 16th century. The participants tried to represent the elements of sky and earth, in a well-balanced equation.

From dead log to earthen pottery and bamboo to golden paddy a wide range of decorative pieces were used to embellish the creations. Tania Tasnim used a unique earthen vase and some dolls and put a bright yellow chrysanthemum with ornamental plants, which dazzled the viewers. The simplicity and uniqueness won her the second prize and proved once again that the flower has the ultimate power. Red roses, white cosmoses, yellow asters and varieties of ornamental plants and wild ferns were used in the show.

Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

In the artificial category, using bamboo, ribbons and dry flowers, Niloufer Yasmeen impressed the judges as well as the viewers. A three-member team of judges, led by Maleka Khan, gave nine awards in two categories.

"We have a great opportunity to commercialise these aesthetic creations,"said Gias Kamal Chowdhury, the President of UNESCO Club.

Dr M Asaduzzaman inaugurated the show, while Begum Selima Rahman, State Minister for Cultural Affairs was the chief guest in the prize giving ceremony.