Reflection of beauty and heritage

Standing in front of a mirror, one looks forward to space to look for beauty. The reflection of beauty together with manifestation of our own heritage is on display at Zainul Gallery, Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), University of Dhaka. Vertical Art and Craft Research organised the exhibition.

Flautist Md. Labu Mian, a flute seller and teacher couldn't resist the temptation to play Raga Basant, viewing the beautiful exhibition. Nissar Hossain, Dean of FFA, Professor Samarjit Roy Chowdhury and Professor Bulbon Osman attended the inaugural ceremony as guests on February 13. The co-founders -- Dr. Azharul Islam Sheikh Chanchal and Md. Masudur Rahman of Vertical have depicted the crafts. Several wooden masks are also on display to diversify the exhibition contents.

These might be called fusion works as the traditional forms have been reshaped. The colours of the mirrors designed with traditional musical instruments evoke an aesthetic melody. The making processes include burning of wood, applying of various media and ornamentation with brass, stone and many more.

“Inspired by motifs, designs and vivacious colours of rickshaw painting, we have incorporated forms like birds, flowers, fishes, shrubs, buffalo's head, peacock and several musical instruments including ektara, dotara, kartal, tanpura, flute and sarod in designing 61 unique mirrors that represent our opulent heritage and culture. As mirror is a utility object, we tried to portray those conferring with furniture and generalized ambience of a drawing room, living room and balcony. We used the best mirrors to complete the works, and yet kept the prices reasonable” said Dr. Azharul Islam Sheikh Chanchal, Chairman of Department of Ceramics of FFA.

The exhibition, open from 12pm to 8pm every day, will conclude on February 22.