In spite of a pandemic looming over us, noted poet and painter Shamset Tabrejee was inspired to create a series of new paintings, which are currently being exhibited at Dwip Gallery in Lalmatia, Dhaka.

"Random Vignettes" is the artist's second solo exhibition, showcasing his signature vibrant acrylic strokes and multitudes of abstract forms, created with the intention of understanding time and the reality of what we have all been living through lately. In its own language, his art expresses thoughts and realisations derived from the chaos.

So dynamic are his expressions that the exhibition's curator, Mustafa Zaman, distinguished artist, author and art critic, brings into comparison with Tabrejee the likes of Rabindranath Tagore and Jibanananda Das. Amidst Tabrejee's drawings of Dhaka's modern and mechanical lifestyle as well as society's varying conflicts, what the curator praises most about his work is the authenticity of it all. Be it geometry or architecture, his paintings have a certain spontaneity, and tend to always represent the natural truth.

The exhibition was inaugurated on February 12,  in the presence of noted artist Wakilur Rahman, whom Tabrejee mentioned as one of his inspirations, alongside artist Shishir Bhattacharjee, among others.

After studying Literature from University of Dhaka, Tabrejee gained popularity when his poems were getting published in various magazines during the eighties. His own book came out for the first time in 1992, and many others that followed, including "Udbastu Chirkut" and "Muhurtama" became fan favorites. "Muhurtama" (Momentum) was also the title of his first solo art exhibition.

Dwip Gallery has many new workshops, exhibitions and other events scheduled for 2021. "Random Vignettes" is the first event taking place at the gallery after their hiatus brought on by the pandemic. Tabrejee's paintings will be exhibited at their premises till February 26.

Besides exhibiting artworks of established artists, Dwip Gallery has always aimed at  promoting underappreciated or overlooked artists since the  beginning of their journey in 2018. The gallery is open from 3 pm to 9 pm all days of the week, except for Mondays.

The author finds power in her pen and microphone. kabir.sumaiya@gmail.com.