Dr Farida Zaman’s solo exhibition opens tomorrow at BNM

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Love, for the soil and the soul, is a muse for renowned artist, Dr Farida Zaman. Having taken tutelage from legendary artist K G Subramanyan, she has travelled around numerous idyllic places of Bangladesh, soulfully depicting them in paintings with diverse themes.

The artist’s 8th solo art exhibition titled, For the Love of Country will take place tomorrow at Nalini Kanta Bhattasali Gallery of Bangladesh National Museum at 6 pm, complete with a book launch on the artist. The exclusive exhibition, showcasing an array of paintings, installation and text, will remain open till December 11.

Mohammad Wahiduzzman and Zeenat Ikramullahare are the curators of the show, which will shed light on Farida’s five-decade journey.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Eminent artist Mostafa Monowar will inaugurate the exhibition as chief guest. Julia Niblett, Australian High Commissioner in Bangladesh, will grace the occasion as special guest. Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan, Chairman, Bangladesh National Museum; novelist Selina Hossain, litterateur Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam and author Martin Bradley, will attend the event as guest of honours.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

A noticeable feature of the artist’s works is the depiction of riverine life in Bangladesh. Her works articulate the lives of fishermen. Farida Zaman’s line drawings represent one of her main artistic traits. The dancing lines, dots and various familiar forms are inspired by Bangladeshi folk elements.

Art critic Martin Bradley has written the book on Dr Farida Zaman, as it delves into the personal aspects of her life influencing her work. “That house, those surroundings, the fish-filled ponds, lakes, the towering coconut trees, the frequent floods, and the fishing nets have all become central themes to Farida’s recollections, and have evolved as memes, icons and symbols in many of her paintings,” writes Martin in the book.    

Farida Zaman’s artistic career demonstrates a remarkable versatility in expression and creative inspiration. The exhibition is a powerful testimony of her integrity and conviction as an artist. Paintings have always been a natural instinct of her artistic soul and an important element that has constructed her creative spirit.

Born in Chandpur in 1953, Dr Farida Zaman is also an illustrator, who has designed several thousand book covers. The seasoned artist has received many awards and honours, including a cultural award from Australian government and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Gold Medal.