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Paintings of Bangladeshi kites and album launch at Drik Gallery
29 March 2006, 18:00 PM
LIFESTYLE
By Karim Waheed
29 March 2006, 18:00 PM
An artwork by Rashid Khan (R), Afzal Hossain and the artist (L) at the exhibition
KITES made their app-earance over 3,000 years ago, in China. Gradually kites were reproduced throughout Asia, then later, in Europe. Over the centuries kites have become a part of our heritage. Incorporating local designs, patterns and materials, kites, have long been 'Bangalee-fied'. Eid or Baishakhi in Old Dhaka have always been marked by kites of varied shapes and colours soaring in the sky, or the air resonating with competing kite-flyers hollering 'Vo katta!'

Artist Rashid Khan's third solo exhibition titled Kites of Bangladesh features paintings of kites sporting traditional deshi patterns as well as unfamiliar, intriguing designs. The exhibition was inaugurated at Drik Gallery on March 27. Tui Thakrey Tor Moton, the first solo album by Rashid was also launched at the occasion. Cultural personality Afzal Hossain inaugurated the event.

About Rashid's paintings Afzal Hossain said, "The subject is definitely unique; treatment of colours is mature. It's hard to believe that being an amateur painter, Rashid Khan could produce artworks of this depth."

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About his work, Rashid says, "Painting was and continues to be my passion. I have always tried to highlight individuality in my works.

"Kites were often used in my past works. I've had the opportunity to feast my eyes on kites of different sizes, shapes, brilliant colours and names at home and abroad. I have been working on the theme for a year and have tried to feature the splendor and variety of kites available in our country through these paintings."

Golla (oil on canvas), one of the works with a crimson background depicts the Bangladeshi flag in the form of a kite. Kani Kata (oil on canvas) features the basic rectangular kite frame with orange triangular shapes at four corners. Rocketdar (water and wax) displays inner designs that resemble paper-made airplanes. Dabadar (oil on canvas) features the basic kite frame with a chessboard pattern. Pawns in the bright scarlet background add to the effect.

Some paintings feature kites shaped like birds. Dhapu/ Fescay (water and wax) shows a kite with a tail similar to that of the local bird Finggey. Cheel (oil on canvas) displays kites shaped like hawks. The basic frame of the kites is divided in two colours.

Baksho/ Box (water and wax) shows 3-D kites shaped like boxes. The painting also displays two or more boxes joined to make a single kite.

Rashid has had previous solo exhibitions at Drik Gallery (2000) and Shilpangan (2002). He had also participated in group exhibitions held at IUB (2000) and National Museum (2001, 2003). The artist has received honorary awards from Bangladesh Journalist Association and Rajdhani Shangskritik Forum (both in 2000).

The exhibition will continue till April 4 from 3 to 8 pm.