Recycled magic

As Pablo Picasso said, “We all know that art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth...”

It is an illusion. Every time you see through different perspectives and different eyes it tells a different story. May be in the realm of 2D canvas or in the reality of the third dimension the works of Bruno Rulf are the exposure of consciousness. Exhibition of the artwork of Bruno Ruhf's, “Recycled Magic” inaugurated at the “Alliance Francaise” last 8th of May. This two week-long exhibition will continue daily from 9am till 12pm and from 5pm till 8pm until May 21.

What Bruno Ruhf's art expresses is more than getting out old family photos and using them to make something or taking a tool box and turning it into a toy chest. This show is about taking things that are destined for the landfill and turning them into art. This time he ventured into the world of light and shadows. Made from scrap iron, dismantled motor parts of a fan or anything ordinary like old plastic bottles he created some masterpieces with unimaginable grace. To bring out the hidden beauty from some unpleasant component requires a vivid imagination.

Sajjad, a student of UIU University, visiting the exhibition said, “It's really amazing how simple trash and metal can be transformed into masterpieces with the touch of an Artist. This is the first time I'm seeing recycled artwork. I really like this exhibition because it is unique and unlike anything I've seen before.”

To compliment the artist's work it is the last exhibition of his four-year stay in Bangladesh, and on display will also be some of his previous works and photographs, paintings and drawings. If you are a fan of interior designing, painting or photography you must give it a visit before the exhibition ends at 21st May.

By: Zabir Hasan
Photo: Zabir Hasan
Venue: Alliance Francaise

Naveed Mahbub is a first generation Bangladeshi immigrant to the United States. He has an MS engineering degree from the University of Michigan. He is also a standup comedian, and a pretty good one. In fact, he won the award of Best Male Comedian at the 2007 Original Las Vegas Comedy Festival. After watching some of his videos on Youtube, there will be no questions as to why.

His stuff is funny, no joke. In a world full of people like Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, and George Lopez, Naveed is known for keeping his comedy clean. He specializes on contemporary issues such as politics and outsourcing, saying himself that he “outsourced comedy.” Some of his other jokes include starting an “American Jihad”, talking about his friend Raj who he can “call toll free at the America Online help number”, or explaining to us how his biggest fans are “FBI agents” who constantly follow him around. His fresh perspective on comedy combined with his light and good natured jokes aimed at his ethnicity and the stereotypes that come with it are something not frequently seen nowadays.

However, the one thing that touches people is the fact that he is the comic voice of a nation of around 150 million people. As the only renowned comedian from our country, it is needless to say he has done us proud. As he stated, people in our nation are limited by the “DELL” idea- either we are Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, or Losers. Yet, if anyone can change that idea and make the nation more open to comedy- it will be him. Not only is he a standout comedian, he also won the Chancellor's Award when he was a student in Bangladesh. He has shown millions of Bangladeshis across the world that it is ok to pursue your dreams. Although, he still retains his engineering day job, many of his nights are spent travelling around and giving comedy shows. He is the first step in helping Bangladeshis realize their dream. Give him a try- “pochpach” is his Youtube username and all of his videos are under that account.

By Ihsan B. Kabir

Sani's music

ONE of the best things about being young is that you are driven to explore your passion within and sometimes even infect the other youngsters around! That is exactly what Syed Hasan Tareq Sani did a decade ago played music out of sheer passion. Once he discovered his love for music, Sani studied the instruments and also took vocal training in Indian and Bangladesh. For the last 10 years, he has been instructing people of all ages and from all walks of life the guitar, violin, drums, the keys, piano and vocals. “Since I started teaching privately, many would just hear about me from my students and request me to teach them as well,” says Sani. “My students range between the ages of 5-50 and are school and university students, doctors, engineers, actors, musicians, pilots, government officials and even housewives.” Sani believes that music is probably one of the very few elements that might bring about a social change in the country is music. “Look at South Africa,” he says. “The musicians have achieved a lot, for instance Shakira and Ricky Martin.”

Not only does Sani teach music privately, he has also opened up schools in Suvastu Nazar Valley in Shahjad Pur and Suvastu Arcade on Elephant Road. Along with Sani, there are others who take classes on instruments, vocals and also dance. “I am the Chief Instructor,” he says. “Most of the other teachers are students who have graduated from my school.”

Unlike the other upcoming musicians in the country today, Sani does not compose or perform publicly. “Ever since I was little, I had always wanted to teach music,” he says. “That is what I am trying to do now teach music and let the passion of music grow within.”

There are many in our society, who despite being musically inclined, do not get the opportunity to prove their talents or come to the limelight. “To them I would like to say that it is never late to start learning,” says Sani.

To get in with Sani, music lovers and listeners can call 01919242314 and 01819242314 or email him at sanismusic@gmail.com.

RS Desk

No-nos When Someone is Hospitalized

What they say, and what we really think:
· Be a smart Aleck and offer advice on what medicines the patient should be taking. (We've already got doctors treating the patient, thanks a lot; and besides, that tablet is for headaches, not for spinal pains)

· Ask, "Is his condition very serious? Khub ki serious obostha?" (Really. This just has to top the list of insensitive questions. Especially when you're asking this to a child.)

· Phone continuously to the one person at home when the patient and the rest of the family is in the hospital with the patient (How would the person staying at home give minute-to-minute detailed updates about the patient's condition while being at home? Duh. If you're so anxious about your social duties you could just as well visit the hospital.)

· Emphatically stress, "Why didn't he go to the hospital previously? Why didn't he visit the doctor in the hospital before all this happened? (Did you realize that you repeated the same thing twice? So out of words? Hmm. Someone needs a larger vocabulary)

· Talk about how your son is at school and how your daughter is at that party and so you don't have your car with you (Um. Ok.)

The best among us will go to the hospital in the unassuming manner devoid of announcements of “Here I Come” and help out the patient and family in every way possible, by not asking too many questions, and just by being there.

By Anika Tabassum