When nature nurtures
Asked why she had gone in for water colours rather than any other medium, Saeeda explains, 'I prefer water colour to anything else. It is very challenging: you cannot mould it easily. There is no compromise in it. If you can work in it, well, fine. It has its own mystery and romance. I have dealt with nature and environment. I went abroad to places like Boston, USA from where I painted landscape in a summer course in 1993. After that I went for a residency programme in Vermont and there too I worked for about six weeks. I went for a designing course to Shantiniketan too. Nature is my area of interest while my style is realistic and academic.
'I try to keep my identity as a Bangladeshi artist, even though many of the scenes that you see are taken from USA. I paint directly or take photographs and work from them. In our youth you could spend hours outdoors and work from what inspires you from around you; but today due to overcrowding, pollution and the ruination of our environment that is not possible. As I'm an art teacher at a school, I don't have that much time for my own creative work. I paint on weekends.'
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Asked if she faced any problems as an artist, Saeeda says that the chaotic political situation and natural calamities disturb the mood for work. She says that there is an endless process of violence in the country and that often disturbs the creative artist who wants peace rather than unrest for meaningful work. She gets her materials when she goes abroad for courses or for holiday, as when she went to Germany, France, USA, Malaysia and India. It is apparent that it is not easy for her to get the requisite items at home.
Saeeda's water colours remain timeless, inviting and enveloped in natural beauty. One of her paintings brings in the image of gently piled up snow in winter. There are hints of bushes and flowers, along with a suggestion of an arch for creeping plants to grow on. In another painting one sees the turns and curves of a river winding between cliffs. On the ground around the river are bushes, trees and gentle clouds. She brings in ducks on the grayish water surrounded by the encircling beige land masses.
A presentation of the homesteads in Rayerbazar shows the tops of windows, roofs, sides of pale walls and the busy pedestrians. Another depicts a bridge with its supporting walls, creating the ambiance of nostalgic memories of trips to the countryside. A representation of ancient walls with cave paintings and arches preserves her recollection of a visit to the South Indian caves.
The exhibition is on till August 30, and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to flood victims.