Dhaka storytellers weave magic in The Story of Art
‘The Story of Art’ exhibition at Aloki Greenhouse showcases masterpieces from Bangladesh’s top artists while supporting a greater cause
As the afternoon sunlight fills Aloki Greenhouse, sun rays perfectly hit two of Ahmed Shamsuddoha's canvases. The canvases portray hyperrealistic paintings of hibiscus flowers.
I spent most of my time standing in front of the canvases, observing the paintings. From far away, it is hard to tell if the light and shadows on the canvas are part of the painting or from the afternoon sun.
Similarly, each canvas at 'The Story of Art' exhibition held at Aloki Greenhouse has a way of captivating viewers. Comprising around 80 to 90 art pieces by the nation's top artists, the exhibition commenced on 8 February and will close on 13 February. The exhibition is open from 11 AM to 10 PM every day.
'The Story of Art' is Dhaka Storytellers' second art event, the first 'Art for Charity' being a charity event for flood relief in August 2024. With the same spirit, 'The Story of Art' is for a greater cause as a fraction of the proceeds will be donated to five schools and one college in Sylhet.
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The exhibition, which had been in the works for almost a year, displays some of the top artists' works such as Rafiqun Nabi, Monirul Islam, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Shahabuddin, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, and more. The exhibition is not limited to just paintings but also includes other mediums such as prints and sculptures.
The curator, Syeda Adiba Hussain who is also the co-founder of Dhaka Storytellers, managed to create a seamless experience by using the wall's pillars as dividers, using them to separate the works of each artist. Furthermore, she did not limit the artists to any particular theme, rather she allowed each artist's style to shine on their own.
"Many of the artists here have been the recipients of the Ekushey Padak Award. As a curator I carefully chose every piece thinking would I have bought it, would I like to have it in my place," shared Adiba.
While every piece is special, Shyamal Sarker's 'Invincible 2' stands in the centre stage, in a literal sense. Located right in the middle of the room, Sarker's sculpture made of iron junk shows five lively dogs mid-run and mid-jump. Despite being made of different scrap materials, the artist captures the energy of the animals.
TBS Picks
On the Wings of the Song by Kanak Chanpa Chakma
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
The 66"x54" canvas depicts a group of women huddled, with their backs to the viewer. While the forms of the women feel almost undefined and in a haze, their ornaments stand out with their clear details. By emphasising the ornaments, the painting becomes a celebration of womanhood, beauty, and life.
Resting Fishermen by Rafiqun Nabi
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
The painting features three fishermen resting, huddled in a boat. While the artwork is simple, it tells a much deeper story of the hardship of fishermen. The midnight-blue colour of the water suggests that it is night, and its colour almost swallows the boat. Each fisherman looks for whatever comfort they can find on the boat.
Winter Calm 2 by Hasura Akter Rumky
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Hasura Akter Rumky's canvas depicts a painting of countless water lilies upon the blue water. The flowers seem to continue into the horizon, where they get lost in the winter fog. The blues of the water and the sky, combined with the green from the water lily almost melt together in cool, calming hues. The flowers bring a pop of colour to the canvas.
