Reviving folk art

Muslim Mia's expressive artwork

Birds, musical instruments, women and portraits of greats such as Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam Sufia Kamal, Lalon and SM Sultan, formed the bulk of the 65 print works in the gallery. The mediums used were etching, engraving, woodcut and a few watercolours. "My aim is to revive ancient folk traditions so that they do not do not become extinct," asserted the Gazipur-based Muslim Mia. And what about the birds? "The birds represent a free spirit. When they sing, everybody gets inspired," he said.

One's eyes were immediately caught by an etching titled 'Elements of folk song'. This piece used earth tones and shades of brown and red. In the background was a sitar. An interesting woodcut depicted 'Saint of Bengal' Rabindranath Tagore. Incorporating the colours of beige, brown and earth tones, the great bard was seen with a flowing beard and in the background was a rising sun and scales. Another work on display was a watercolour, once again titled 'Elements of folk song'.

Muslim Mia's forte is his ability to express himself through his artistic works. Each of the works told a distinct story. And even if musical instruments such as the ektara, dotara, and mandira are largely visible only in the villages, he has done his utmost to give them pride of place in his works. "Folk songs, the melody of the ektara, dotara, the lives of the saint-folksingers and their lyrics on unknown birds and mythology continue to inspire me," concluded Muslim Mia.