National 10 (Spotlight Weekly)

Bangladesh On Canvas

Through vivid portraits of nature and culture, two Bangladeshi artists offer glimpses of their rich heritage

By A CORRESSPONDENT

Nepal and Bangladesh have many things in common besides their South Asian heritage. Separated by a narrow strip of Indian territory, the peoples of the two nations share many social traditions and other features of life. Because of this geographical proximity, Nepalese art and literature are very much influenced by Bengali culture.

These similarities were reflected in the paintings of Khalid Mahmood Mithu and Kanak Champa Chakma displayed at the Siddartha Art Gallery. The exhibition featuring the works of these two pre-eminent Bangladeshi artists was the first of its kind in the capital. With an objective of investing in creativity, the gallery has been promoting regional awareness through the language of art. "The exhibition is a milestone in boosting cultural ties between our two peoples," said Sangita Thapa, executive director of Siddhartha Art Gallery, which organized the show.

Inaugurated by Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Q.A.M.A Rahim, the exhibition depicted the symbiotic relationship between human beings and the elements of nature around them. Chakma, who has won many prestigious international awards, has held more than two dozen solo art exhibitions in different parts of the world. She won the award of Best Women Artist of the XXI Century Award and the best award of the Latin America Art Museum in the southern US city of Miami. She also won a prize at the International Miniature Art Competition in Florida.

Born in Ranmati Hill Tract in Bangladesh, Chakma powerfully represents the culture, nature and surroundings of the region. She uses acrylic on canvas to elaborate on her inner expressions. From the mood of a lonely woman to the wider ambience of nature, Chakma's mind grasps almost every aspect of daily life.

Chakma has held many group exhibitions in India, the United States and many European countries. Her works provide a perfect combination of the life and culture of the hills and plains of Bangladesh. Her creative choice of colors adds vibrancy to the depiction of different moods and moments.

The works of Mithu, who is also a professional photographer, powerfully capture the details of his subject. Mithu, who has won numerous awards in photography and art, is also involved in TV film production as a scriptwriter and camera director.

Mithu's paintings are based on abstract moments that require extra time to savor. Nevertheless, his portrayal of the meaning of life and nature are perfect and mature. Sensitive to nature, Mithu's choice of colors helps him to create a balanced picture. Mithu also uses acrylic canvas to express his feelings on the difficulties and hardships of human society. Mithu, who holds a masters degree in fine arts from the University of Dhaka's Institute of Fine Arts, has completed several courses on photography. He has held 10 solo exhibition in Bangladesh and abroad and participated in 115 group exhibitions.

This is the first time both artists have exhibited their paintings in Kathmandu, providing a special opportunity to Nepalis to catch a closer glimpse of the richness and range of Bangladeshi art.