‘Mrittika Mohey’: The homebound call of a travelling artist

The beautiful landscapes and natural beauty of Bangladesh have served as the muse for travelling artist Karu Titas. In his tireless pursuit of capturing the country's natural and cultural heritage, he frequently embarks on journeys across the country to seek inspiration for his artistic creations.

The artist's fifth solo exhibition, titled "Mrittika Mohey" (The Allure of The Earth), is currently on display at the Shilpangan Gallery in the capital's Dhanmondi 27. This exhibition is a continuation of his artistic exploration of connecting with the essence of Bangladesh, deeply rooted in every layer of its earth.

The title of the exhibit, "Mrittika Mohey", signifies a homebound call of one's root and the mystifying allure of it. It suggests that the destination is merely an illusion of completion, while the true significance lies in the journey itself.

Landscapist Karu Titas possesses a unique talent for portraying simple yet scenically captivating characters and objects in a way that presents more questions rather than answers, more contention than beauty.

Much like his influence, S M Sultan, he too employs indistinct and hazy brush strokes to depict the bold characters of marginalised, often underestimated people. This technique consistently prompts viewers to contemplate their own subliminal modernity and civilised inclinations.

"I have known Karu Titas for many years, and he expresses his thoughts through paintings. The nostalgia, beauty, and life of mophoswol rurality bring a breath of fresh air in the absurd urbanity we are living in," said Dr Syed Manzoorul Islam, an eminent art critic, in his introductory note of the exhibition.

Karu Titas himself articulates his creative process, stating, "I take elements from nature, and to do that, I often get off of a train and roam around all over Bangladesh. Sometimes, these spontaneous explorations lead me to mountains, rivers, encounters with people I have yet to meet. They are the sources of my artistic inspiration."

"I have never returned empty-handed from these journeys. From porters, day labourers to those who live at train stations-- they give me inspiration for both life and my artistry. They are my idols," he continued with a warm smile to explain his friendship with the subjects of his paintings.

Karu emphasises the uniqueness of Bangladesh. "Bangladesh is a land of wonder. You see...in my experience as a travelling artist, I found that our language, culture, dialects, and accents change in every 50 kilometres. It is truly fascinating, and an artist doesn't need to look far as Bangladesh offers a distinctive colour palette," the master landscapist said.

To some keen-eyed viewers, Karu Titas –who loves to draw stations without trains, streets without mechanical vehicles, and rivers without engine boats–might seem like he is trying to escape modernity and civilised industrialisation.

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In response, the painter said, "Of course! There's no doubt about it. It's high time we turn inward and reconnect with our villages and natural resources to remind ourselves of who we were and who we can be!"

Another recurring element in his painting is the representation of 'ordinary' people, from woodsmen to oarsmen, from farmers to fleeting figures, seamlessly blending with the forestry and earthen lines along the borders of his artworks.

"Take the premises of one of my paintings, namely, "Prantik Manus". I met these individuals in North Bangladesh, spent days living with them, engaged in conversations. When I returned to my studio, I couldn't resist painting them, for they have such great influence on me," the enchanted artist said.

"Whenever I stay at train stations, or boats, and share meals with these people, I feel more grateful to be a part of their world with each experience. This is what I strive to capture in my paintings, and it remains my greatest muse of inspiration," he continued.

Karu Titas humbly refrains from describing himself as just an artist. "I don't like to label myself as an artist because artistry is vast, and no one can truly confine themselves to it. If any of my paintings stand the test of time, I will be forever grateful as a painter."

While Karu Titas's subject matter may resonate with the legendary artist S M Sultan, his representation diverges from Sultan's bold emphasis on human strength to focus on the innate beauty of his subjects.

Responding to this comparison, Karu Titas replies with a contented smile, "As a family, we were actually close to S M Sultan. We hosted him in the city numerous times, and we visited Narail, where I watched him create his masterpieces. It was enchanting."

The exhibition showcases Karu Titas's paintings, mostly created between 2019 and 2023. Art lovers will find beautiful paintings, namely "Mrittika Mohey", "Mohananday Neel", "Prantik Nayokera", "Janalar Drighoshwash", "Kon Bhangoner Pothe Eley", "Nodir Morichika", "Aj Haatbar", "Tolo Paal Sagorer Phool", "Chandboniker Nouka" and others in this exhibition, which will run until September 30.