Helal Shah’s ‘Ankora’ celebrates life in Old Dhaka
Helal Shah’s solo painting exhibition, Ankora, is currently underway at EMK Center in Dhanmondi. The exhibition is comprised of a wonderful array of watercolour, oil and acrylic paintings that depict life in Old Dhaka, In the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle hides a rich cultural heritage and a glorious history of perserverance, found only in the little things if one can find the time to observe. Helal Shahintricately paints exactly those – the kind of uniquely colourful details of Dhaka that we might be missing out in our everyday race against time.
Born in Naogoan, Helal Shah is currently completing his master’s in Drawing and Painting from the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka, having attained his B F A from the same department. While this is his first solo exhibition, he has been part of many group shows since 2016, in different galleries of Dhaka. He has also received multiple awards, including the 2019 Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Gold Medal, for his works. The exhibition was inagurated in the presence of his respected professors on February 2.
When asked if the paintings on exhibit had a particular theme, Helal Shah said that the the old town of Dhaka has always been his most favourite subject. The fluidity in his brush strokes, and the vibrancy in his colours are so life-like, that his creations appear almost animated. He has immaculately painted everything from Old Dhaka’s Shakhari BazarandForashgonj,to Sadarghatand Ramna Kali Mandir Ghat. Vistors will also find the picturesque scenes of BandarbanandBholain his works.
Ankora will be open for all till February 15.
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