Fareha Zeba tells the tale of a seed through art

Renowned artist Fareha Zeba’s solo art exhibition, titled Story of a Seed is underway at Kala Kendra, Mohammadpur in the capital. The unique exhibition, showcasing drawings, objects, sculptures and installations, was inaugurated on September 20.  Eminent social activist, feminist and environmentalist, Khushi Kabir, and renowned sculptor Professor Lala Rukh Selim graced the inaugural ceremony as guests.

Many environmental aspects the artist has experienced throughout her life, influence her paintings. Fareha Zeba’s works depict the reflections of her subconscious mind -- they relay the connotations of surrealism. She attempts to visually represent and express the subconscious in an organic way.

Photo: courtesy

“I became interested in creating art, while contemplating on the ideas of the ways elements keep balance in the environment,” explains Fareha Zeba, “I have tried to blend the environmental aspects around us into my works, and that has led me towards my attempts of connecting the natural world to complement my art.”

Photo: courtesy

The exhibited artworks are from a series, which the artist has been working on for a couple of years, is called Story of a Seed. “The idea of this series originated from my garden. The seed is considered as ‘mother’ of the earth. It doesn’t have any boundaries or nationalities. As humans are inclined to think that it is their property, they started experimenting and exploiting them for their own benefit,” said Zeba. 

The artist’s works also portray our connection with the natural environment, ecology and ecosystem. She finds a lot of similarity between human organs, especially the female’s ones, with forms of different flowers, seeds and leaves. The female body holds the power to create life, as does nature.

Women started practising agriculture in the ancient society. In essence, they protect the environment and greenery with their instinctive power. “I get excited when I find the similarities in my garden, then try to capture their sensuousness and sensitivity. I attempt to boldly depict the forms and shapes in my sketch book. It is my way of recording artistic feelings and experiences,” asserted the artist. 

She collected dry flowers, seeds, pods and weeds from her garden to represent the wonders of nature, associated with the sculptures and drawings on display at the art space.

Fareha Zeba completed her MFA from the Institute of Fine Arts (now Faculty of Fine Art), University of Dhaka. She has 7 solo exhibitions to her credit. The artist participated in many national and international exhibitions and workshops held in Bangladesh, Denmark, Finland, Canada, Pakistan, England, India, USA, Nepal, Egypt and Germany. She currently teaches at Scholastica School, Uttara. Her art studio is also based in Uttara. Curated by Wakilur Rahman, the exhibition, opening from 4 pm to 8 pm daily, will run until October 8.