In the heart of Gulshan, Edge Gallery has unveiled the fifth edition of its signature watercolour group exhibition, "Jolkabbo 5.0—Musings in Watercolour." 

Walking through the gallery feels like embarking on a journey through myriad themes, emotions, and intensities. While the collection lacks a unified narrative, it forms an anthology of individual stories tied together by the central concept of watercolour. 

A gallery assistant remarked that this fifth edition is historic, bringing together the highest number of veteran and emerging artists to celebrate the interplay of light and shadow in watercolour. The experience, described as both liberating and overwhelming, resonates with visitors. One artist-visitor observed, "In the midst of so much negativity in our country, this exhibition is a breath of fresh air. It's a place to find serenity through art. However, the sheer volume of work can make it challenging to focus calmly."

"Jolkabbo 5.0" celebrates the medium of watercolour and invites viewers to experience its enchanting storytelling through diverse techniques. 

The exhibition was inaugurated last Saturday in the presence of Mahua Khan, trustee of Edge The Foundation, and Jamal Ahmed, artist and president of Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad. Both dignitaries praised the collaborative effort of seasoned and emerging artists, noting how some newcomers have commendably outshone their more experienced counterparts.

With each artist contributing two paintings, the exhibition features 108 artworks spread across the well-lit gallery. While there is no singular theme, the collection underscores the intricacy and versatility of watercolour as a medium. Encompassing diverse subjects—from the seasons of Bangladesh to urban vignettes, rural landscapes, the July uprising, and abstract compositions—the exhibition offers a broad spectrum of artistic expressions.

Prominent subjects include everyday objects such as flowers, boats, animals, and human figures, rendered in vibrant hues. Botanical watercolour pieces showcase numerous flowers, particularly waterlilies, Sonalu, and other wild blooms. Natural scenes highlight the countryside's horizons across waterbodies and cattle amidst changing seasons. Notably, the unique variety of Bangladeshi boats appears in several paintings. Urban scenes depict intricate details of rickshaw art, congested streets, and Old Dhaka's architecture. Experimental artworks combine ink, gouache, and other techniques to create abstract interpretations.

The lineup of distinguished artists includes Abdus Shakoor Shah, Anisuzzaman, Al-Akhir Sarker, Anamuz Zahid, Anisur Rahman, Arifa Evana, Ariful Islam, Azmeer Hossain, Ajoy Sannyal, Ashraful Alam Rana, Biplob Chakroborty, Biren Shome, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Helal Shah, Hasura Akter Rumky, Ivy Zaman, Jamal Ahmed, Jayanta Sarker, Jolock Saha, Kamruzzoha, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Kauser Hossain, Maneek Bonik, Mintu Dey, Mohammad Eunus, Mohammad Iqbal, Mong Mong Sho, Monirul Islam, Monjur Rashid, Malay Bala, Moung San Wang, Mustafa Zaman, Nabaraj Roy, Nazmul Haque Bappy, Palash Datta, Ranjit Das, Rafiqul Islam, Ratnashwar Sutradhwar, Rokeya Sultana, Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Shahid Kabir, Shakirunnahar Kanon, Shohag Parvez, Shahanoor Mamun, Soikat Hossain, Sharmin Akter Lina, Swapan Chowdhury, Soul Hacha, Sigma Haque Angkan, Tamanna Liza, Tarpon Paul, Warior Rahman Sami, Zahangir Alom, and Ziaur Rahman.

The exhibition will remain open at Edge Gallery, Gulshan 2, until Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 10am to 8pm daily.