Saying it all with driftwood

Ferdousy Priyabhashini (Top-right), artworks by the artist

Hashem Khan said, "This exhibition has incorporated many new ideas developed from driftwood. The most important thing is that she finds beauty in simple discarded items and makes the viewer appreciate this too. Her medium includes rejected and forgotten items of tree roots, branches and leaves. There are repetitions of themes but this is not objectionable. "

To this Hasnat Abdul Hye added, "It is indeed an unusual fine arts medium that she uses. Her inspiration is often taken from nature around her."

Chanchal Mahmoud commented, "Her work is different from other sculpture work and adds a variety for viewers in search of something new."

One of the works depicts a crow with its young one at its feet. Both are resting on a branch. Motherhood shows a bird flying away from its nest with satisfaction after it had laid an egg. Another large bird, with details of beak, tail and wings -- seen larger than life -- is included in the collection. Another creation is called Ujan haowa and it features a number of travellers going some distance in a boat. The silhouette of the human beings appears to be sculpted out of the discarded roots and barks. There is then the figure of a meditating man, lost in deep thought. A Bharatnatyam dancer is seen in the next figure. This is developed from the remains of a parasite. There are some romantic figures of embracing couples, at times with trees at the back, and at others, with waves of the sea swirling about their feet.

Among the interesting entries is the Haunted house. This brings in two windows which have actual old and rejected iron bars. The one on top is framed with bricks. Beyond the windows one sees black, dramatic twigs. The installation is painted over with dull red and green. Another creation has plants growing out of the earth and wood dust that has been pasted on. The effect is that of a living garden staring at one. An old straw matting and ground tea leaves have also been included in the composition. Large wild mushrooms that have grown on twigs of trees have been brought here and presented as items of decoration.

"I take my work as a game. I collect my pieces from the roadside, the bins and the houses of friends whom I visit," says Priyabhashini. "I clean them and disinfect them. Sometimes I keep them in the sun and at times in the shade." She has two helpers with her work.

Priyabhashini is greatly admired in the current art circle.