Photo: Monon Muntaka

Rubina Akhter’s month-long solo art exhibition, Mystery & Light, is underway at Radius Centre, Bay’s Galleria, Gulshan. The talented artist, who has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, has worked as an interior, fashion and Nakshi Kantha designer. All of these experiences have been highlighted in the content, style and presentation of the exhibited artworks.

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition held on January 31, the artist said that both her mother and ‘Mother Nature’ were significant sources of inspiration and catalysts in creating her paintings. “There are many activities I was involved in, but my mother always told me to keep drawing pictures,” she says. The theme in many of her paintings highlight the irrefutable bond one has with nature in our country, especially women.

Photo: Monon Muntaka

The subjects of her paintings are mostly feminine figures, which are drawn and decorated in her individualistic style. She makes use of line art and intricate designs, which resemble nakshi kantha, and the folk art styles of Bangladesh. The artist makes deft use of delicate and detailed patterns juxtaposed with loosely outlined figures. The use of colour in her artworks is also bold, which represents her personality as a woman, as well as the vibrance of Bangladeshi lifestyle.

What sets Akhter’s exhibition apart is her choices in framing the artworks. The medium sized drawings and paintings are presented amidst large textured backgrounds in solid colours. Additionally, the frames are also painted with bright colours and patterns. This unique trait forces the viewer to observe the painting from a slight distance, the act of which reveals a different perspective and a more overwhelming emotion can be drawn upon.

The respected artist says that her experience in working in different fields and travelling, especially her work, as an interior designer has made her more conscious of the external factors which influence the perception of her artwork. It is not merely the subject on paper or canvas that has the duty of making a powerful expression, but the surrounding environment as a whole.

The themes highlighted in the artworks range across togetherness, friendship, beauty, strength, courage and interaction with regards to women’s lives. The messages appear to be whimsical, yet possess the ability to make one reflect upon their own life and those around them.

Amidst a variety of existing art practices and styles, Rubina Akhter’s solo exhibition succeeds in stamping her unique style, which is likely to create an impact on any enthusiastic art lover. The exhibition will continue for a month.