"The Colors of Youth", an exhibition run by Abu Subhan Welfare Trust (ASWT), was inaugurated at the capital's Saifuddin Shilpalay, recently. The exhibition displayed artworks by underprivileged students from the indigenous communities residing in Bangladesh.

The inaugural ceremony began with a welcome address by Nushin Subhan. Monsur Choudhury, the trustee of ASWT, then took to the stage, speaking about the life and work, and vision of Abu Subhan.

Abu Subhan, who always dreamt of becoming a painter, loved his surroundings dearly. He saw the struggles of tea estate workers, and decided to form a trust to help indigenous children fund their passion.

Today, fifteen years after his demise, Abu Subhan's Trust, with six members, offers scholarships to fine arts students based on their merit and needs. Abu Subhan, being the only Bangladeshi fellow in the Royal Art Society of the UK, paved the way for indigenous youngsters to use their skills to their fullest potential. Abu Subhan was the CEO of Duncan Brothers in Bangladesh. His wife, Nasreen Subhan, carries the torch of ASWT on his behalf.  

Lumbiny Dewan, a former artist and scholar of ASWT, spoke about the challenges of studying in an expensive city like Dhaka, especially for the ones who hail from remote areas with very limited resources. She thanked Abu Subhan and ASWT for their efforts.

Renowned artist and sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan attended the event as special guest. He expressed his admiration for Abu Subhan and praised the curator of this successful event, Kanak Chanpa Chakma.

Her Excellency Nathalie Chuard, the ambassador of Switzerland in Bangladesh, said, indigenous cultures are important to protect the environment and her homeland always upholds the striving minority groups.

Kanak Chanpa Chakma, a 'key artist of Rangamati' in Hamiduzzaman's opinion, talked spoke about the lack of resources and funds when it comes to promoting children to practice art. The formal programme concluded with a few cultural performances from the students of Camellia Duncan Foundation School. This was followed by the opening ceremony.

The paintings portrayed several aspects of the indigenous communities in Bangladesh -- their livelihoods, culture and their artifacts.

Artworks like "Village" and "Allegory of Nature" demonstrated the deep bond between nature and these suburb dwellers. The artist of 'Pena' used the seven prominent colors representing all the Manipuri communities of the world. Along with their cultural instrument and letters, she also included the widely known patterns we see on Manipuri sarees.

Upon entering the exhibition space, you would see Lumbiny Dewan's eye-catching water-lilies and jarul flowers. The exhibition also showcases still-life pieces and recycled artworks alongside the symbolic and thought-provoking paintings from talented artists with the mediums acrylic, watercolors, mixed medium and pen-ink.

The exhibition is open for all till July 21.

The writer is an architecture graduate, a freelance artist, and a designer.