Photo: Shanto Lawrence Costa

A group art exhibition, Praccher Prachin Dhara/ The Ancient Lineage of the East, opened at Gallery Cosmos, recently. The title of the exhibition brings to focus the Eastern-Asian art practices and their influence and cultural significance on the art in our region. For decades, western art styles and artists have gone on to define periods of art movements across the world. Even today, the contemporary art landscapes in America and Europe remain in the spotlight. As a result, the art made in countries such as ours also bear an imprint of the staggering influence. However, with this group art exhibition, the artists aim to pay respect to the deep wealth of art originated in the Eastern regions of the world. HE Rensje Teerink, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, The European Union to Bangladesh, graced the exhibition as the special guest.

 “Art lets us transcend borders as the process of creation lets us migrate magically like the rivers, the ocean, the nature and the very air we breathe,” explains Tehmina Enayet, Director of Gallery Cosmos.

Of the 25 participating artists, many specifically drew on common subjects in South Asian art such as farmers working with cows and floral scenery. Other subjects include rickshaws, the Buddha and female portraits. One commonality in the art originated in our region is the use of colour. Primarily, the most boldly used pigments in the artworks are blues, yellows and reds.

Photo: Shanto Lawrence Costa

 At times, it also seems like the artists are referring to the western art world in their works by incorporating bits and pieces into styles that are more reflective of Asian art. In one painting, a woman dressed in traditional clothes stands in front of a painting of Mona Lisa.

Gallery Cosmos aims to be at the forefront of the emergence and rise to prominence of different art practices that have originated in Bangladesh. The exhibition, which will run till November 10, is dedicated to renowned artist Kalidas Karmakar, who passed away this year.