‘Stories’ opens today at Galleri Kaya

Shahanoor Mamun

Promising artist Shahanoor Mamun’s fifth solo exhibition, Stories, begins today at 5:30 pm at the Galleri Kaya in Uttara, Dhaka. Eminent Artist Chandra Shekhar Dey will inaugurate the show. A selection of 55 works done in watercolor, ink pen, pastel and charcoal on paper will be showcased at the exhibition.

“Art can be enriched through repeated change of subjects,” said Shahanoor.  “Each subject has a special feature, which demonstrates individual light, tone and space. I really get mused with the feelings revolving around nature.”

The artist frequently goes for outdoor sessions at different locations in the country. He has beautifully captured different shades of light and shadow, while reflecting nature and its diverse elements. As an inborn watercolorist, he has a special affinity with drizzling and torrential rain, landscape, rivers with boats and quiet settings of nature.

Artworks on exhibit at the event. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Besides watercolor, Shahanoor also uses ink, charcoal, dry pastel, Chinese ink and pen. At the show, some new media and subjects have introduced a novel dimension where spectators would see the relationship of mother-son, a lying dog, a cat with a teen girl and the splendor of the monsoon. There are two of his works where Puja festivities have been vibrantly projected. He has dexterously demonstrated the eye-catching beauty of Krishnachura flower.

He has also portrayed Old Dhaka’s socio-economic and cultural structures, urban hustle and bustle, and architectural and structural improvements for the show. The portrayal of Showarighat, Tati Bazaar, Shakhari Bazaar and their streets overwhelmed with rush hours, rain-drenched outlines, and the riverine view of the Buriganga, are evident in his works.

“My current exhibition has a conspicuous connotation of Chinese painting style, as my experiences and memories over visiting the country are still fresh,” concludes Mamun, who won awards in China and Mexico. Stories will remain open every day from 11 am to 7:30 pm till December 7.