In quest of peace and harmony

An art work by Syed Mohammad Shamim

In a gentle voice, Shamim explained why and how he had done his large collection of mixed-media work at very reasonable prices, which would suit the pocket of an art collector. The paintings are lyrical and idyllic, despite the theme of claustrophobia in Dhaka, and the necessity to hark back to the tranquillity in our villages. The collection of buoyant images left an indelible mark on the mind.

Hardworking, clear-headed, and with a drive and passion to pursue his end with success, Shamim spoke about his pieces, despite the overwhelming heat of Dhaka afternoons. "I wanted to express my feelings, and I guess I've managed to do so, at least somewhat. In my painting exhibit Searching peace I've tried to drive home the point that there's something missing in our lives, at this current juncture. In one of the landscapes that I've presented one sees the harum-scarum pell-mell urban existence," he says. Despite the subject of Dhaka life, there is the element of nostalgia about our villages, in which the artist takes shelter, like many of the local artists -- such as Farida Zaman and Leila Sharmeen. A couple, a rickshaw, a bus and some houses are drawn with confidence and dexterity. The swift strokes amalgamate a yellow swirl in the middle, along with a red cobbled path. The soft washes all around stand for dreams, hopes and aspirations.

In the next image, as we progress in the gallery, is the kingfisher, surrounded by buoyant colours. The burst of happy colours signify the waters, paddy fields and skies of Bangladesh. The artist has the feeling that one day mankind will come to their senses and will eventually find the peace, which the artist himself desperately seeks. The peace is symbolised by the white kingfisher. The touch of dark pink stands for the struggle of Bangladeshis during the Liberation War and even today.

Going on to his next painting one finds a pink cross standing for danger. The penguin-like bird stands for a Bangladeshi bird, while the twirling red water-lily buds, the delicate crescent moon to the right, and the inclusion of the twirling green blossom found in the composition stand for both the perilous existence and lust for "pax". In short, the twirling lines and carefully balanced juxtaposition of colours lend both harmony and awareness of danger in both the present and future of not only Bangladesh but the entire world.