The exhibition title, “Matir Manush” (which means "people of the soil"), is a term used to describe humble, down-to-earth individuals. Fittingly, the tepa dolls often depict our people, birds, and animals.

Our recent visit to Bengal Shilpalay on the closing day of “Bangladesher Lokoshilpo: Chitrito Mritshilpo” took both my mother and me back to our cherished childhood.

Today marks the 104th birth anniversary of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, the founding father of Bangladeshi art and art education. Born in Mymensingh, Abedin grew up in the serene landscape by the river Brahmaputra. In 1933, he enrolled at Calcutta Government Art School, and later taught at the institute. He was an influential member of the Calcutta Group of progressive artists.

The country today observes the 42nd death anniversary of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin. Born in Mymensingh, Abedin took great influence from the scenic banks of the Brahmaputra River throughout his career. He was a post-auratic painter.