‘17’ opens at Galleri Kaya

Artwork by Sheikh Afzal Hossain

An exclusive group art exhibition titled 17, by modern and contemporary artists of Bangladesh, began yesterday at Galleri Kaya in Uttara. Eminent artist, Professor Murtaja Baseer, inaugurated the event as the chief guest. The exhibition is showcasing a selection of 48 artworks by 17 artists. The paintings are done in oil, acrylic, indigenous pigment, watercolour, ink, charcoal, pastel, pencil, on paper and canvas.

Aminul Islam, who passed away in 2011, was a leading member of the pioneering modern art movement in Bangladesh. His oil painting, Rhythm of Forgotten Music-1, is on display at the gallery. 

 A man of many talents, Murtaja Baseer, has established himself as one of the top artists in Bangladesh over the years. Throughout his illustrious career, Baseer, who is also a poet, writer, novelist, researcher and numismatist, has gradually transformed his working style from realism and semi-realism to abstract realism. The artist’s folk-themed oil pastel work, Woman-4, stands out at the exhibition. Baseer is also passionate about filmmaking.

Renowned artist Qayyum Chowdhury is exhibiting his work of nature and folk-inspired landscapes at the event. He was instrumental in establishing the art scene of Bangladesh, as we know it today.

Samarjit Roy Choudhury is a famous name in the country’s art sector. His unique approach to developing a visual dialogue between simplified, nearly abstract language and motifs from the country’s rural and traditional roots, is one of the most notable features of his work. Several works by the artist, including Opera Stars, are on display at the show.

Prolific painter Hashem Khan’s artwork of mystic bards and birds of Bangladesh, are being showcased at the exhibition.

Artwork by Aminul Islam

Artwork by Murtaja Baseer

Rafiqun Nabi promotes the practice of contemporary art in the country. Known for his woodworks, acrylic paintings, watercolour works, and his cartoon character, ‘Tokai’, Nabi is widely revered in Bangladesh. He is largely responsible for taking Bangladeshi art to international platforms. His famous mixed media work, Tokai, along with the watercolour pieces, Rocks and Goats, are displayed at the event. 

 Sculptor and painter Hamiduzzaman Khan’s watercolour works have earned him accolades across the world. Known for his amiable personality, Khan shuns the thought of confining himself to a single medium, always experimenting with different styles. His brilliant bird’s-eye-view watercolour pieces of the 60s are also on display, alongside Kalidas Karmakar’s unique composition, The Lady and the Bird.

Vibrant hues, aesthetic composition, and diverse yet meticulous forms are the striking features of Chandra Shekhar Dey’s Waiting in Autumn.  On the other hand, one of the leading artists of Bangladesh, Mohammad Eunus, has poetically depicted visual beauty in his abstract paintings. Jamal Ahmed’s mixed-media work, Before the Storm, is also one of the most stunning displays at the event. Kazi Rakib and Ranjit Das’s work  also impressed at the exhibition.

Ahmed Shamsuddoha’s depiction of natural landscapes in Golden Bengal evokes serenity. Portrait artist Sheikh Afzal Hossain’s work is pleasing to the eyes, especially his portrayal of aphrodaisiac women. Shishir Bhattacharjee’s signature drawings, accompanied by one with a majestic view of the mountains, was meticulous. Mohammad Iqbal showcased the innocence of underprivileged children for the show. Sponsored by ADN Group, the exhibition will remain open every day from 11 am to 7:30 pm till October 5.