Landscape painting, also known as nature-based painting, involves capturing the beauty of natural scenery in a wide view. The elements of the landscape are arranged in a way that creates a coherent composition. Artists may choose to create imaginary landscapes or depict real ones with varying levels of accuracy. Many painters begin their artistic journeys by portraying nature and capturing the different seasons. They are inspired by the captivating beauty of nature, which evokes various emotions and allows them to express the intricacies of their minds. Shahanoor Mamun, a landscape painter, has been deeply engaged with nature in his artwork over the past two decades. He skillfully uses watercolor, exploring its different levels of transparency and translucency to his advantage. Mamun sees his art as a means to communicate with nature, as it becomes an endless source of visual splendor and mystery in his depictions.
The artist, born in 1986 in the village of Dapunia in Mymensingh, was fortunate to grow up surrounded by the serene presence of the Sutia River, which gracefully flows throughout the year. Mamun began his educational journey in his local area, renowned for its charming rustic beauty and expansive marshlands. His childhood was spent along the banks of both the Brahmaputra River and the nearby Sutia River, deeply rooted in his native land.
Particularly, the Brahmaputra River served as a significant source of inspiration for Mamun, prompting him to depict its surroundings, the aquatic life within it, the vast sky above, and the boundless nature of the river itself. Mamun found solace in observing sailing boats, listening to the melodies of boatmen, and witnessing the vibrant riverine life and lush green landscapes. Despite skipping classes at school, he honed his artistic skills by capturing these scenes with his inexperienced hands.
One day, Mamun seized the opportunity to visit the Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala and was fortunate enough to secure admission at the Zainul Abedin Art School, which was affiliated with the Sangrahashala. Over the course of a year, he received comprehensive lessons and acquired various artistic techniques. Mamun's drawing and painting teacher Zainul Abedin Tarafdar played a pivotal role in his development, introducing him to the Dhaka Charukola (now known as the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka). This revelation motivated Mamun to mentally prepare himself for enrollment at Dhaka Charukola.
Throughout this journey, Mamun's mother served as a great source of inspiration, further fueling his passion for art. Mamun successfully completed his secondary school certificate (SSC) and higher secondary certificate (HSC) examinations from Hazi Jalaluddin Pre-Cadet and High School, and Nasirabad College in Mymensingh, respectively.
Subsequently, Mamun enrolled at the Department of Ceramics, University of Dhaka. His passion for experimenting with soil led him to become a ceramic artist. However, his true love remained watercolour, and he often visited scenic locations such as Buriganga River and Waiz Ghat to capture the beauty of nature. In 2008, Mamun's talent shone when he received the Honourable Mention Award for a watercolour painting depicting a rainy day at a group art exhibition featuring artists of various ages from Greater Mymensingh District. This recognition served as a pivotal moment in his life, boosting his confidence and inspiring him to dedicate himself even more to watercolours. The art community took notice of Mamun's blossoming skills, and Alliance Francaise de Dhaka extended an invitation to him in 2013 to organize a solo watercolour exhibition. Since then, Mamun has been regularly invited by different galleries and art institutions to participate in workshops, art camps, and group exhibitions. For a significant period, he collaborated with Galleri Kaya.
Mamun, an established nature watercolourist, possesses a remarkable talent for capturing the philosophical essence of nature through his art. He skillfully portrays the volumes and colors of the natural world, creating a sense of sensitivity and harmony. Mamun believes that nature is an infinite source of beauty and enigma, finding inspiration in the intricate details of moonlit nights, chirping crickets, sunlight filtering through leaves, diverse flora and fauna, the tranquility of dense forests and foliage, gentle rainfall, and the interplay of light and shadow, among many other elements. Each of these components holds a unique story for Mamun, inviting him to embark on a new artistic journey.
Additionally, Mamun showcases his versatility by painting various types of boats from different regions of the country. Moreover, he passionately depicts the vibrant activities, impoverished individuals, rickshaws, traditional horse carts, narrow alleyways, densely populated areas, dilapidated buildings, and tangled wires scattered across the streets of Old Dhaka. Mamun possesses the ability to create an authentic backdrop that enhances the dramatic themes of his artwork. He employs subtle colors and tones to highlight the socio-economic and cultural structures of Old Dhaka, capturing the bustling urban atmosphere and architectural advancements. His meticulous depictions of Tati Bazar, Shakhari Bazaar, and streets teeming with rush hour crowds and rain-soaked outlines are evident in his works. Through his art, Mamun skillfully harmonizes landscapes, creating a captivating synchronicity within each piece.
Throughout his career, the artist has cultivated a unique style that is particularly evident in his work with watercolors. He holds a strong preference for this medium, primarily due to its inherent ability to convey his ideas with clarity and precision. The lucidity of watercolors grants him the freedom to express his creativity effortlessly. Over the years, he has mastered various watercolor techniques, including flat wash, dry flat wash, plein water, and wet flat wash. Additionally, he has also experimented with agile brushstrokes in some of his watercolor pieces. With unwavering determination and immense potential, he possesses the necessary skills to transform his visual observations of the world into captivating portrayals. The artist derives immense pleasure from working with watercolors as they allow him to interpret his innermost desires and aspirations.
Mamun primarily employs flatwash techniques in most of his watercolour paintings. To begin, he saturates the specific area of the paper that will be covered with the wash. He then mixes enough pigment to effortlessly fill the entire designated area.
In recent years, Mamun has demonstrated his skill in capturing the intricate play of light and shadow in his artwork, particularly when depicting nature during heavy rainfall, serene rivers with small boats, and moments of tranquility.
Additionally, Mamun frequently utilises the glazing technique in his watercolours. This technique resembles a wash, where the artist applies a thin, translucent layer of color over previously dried washes. In his glazing watercolours, it is evident that Mamun confidently applies either a single stroke or multiple strokes before allowing them to dry.
Despite being a proficient watercolourist, Mamun has also explored other mediums such as ink, pen, charcoal, dry pastel, acrylic, and oil in his artistic endeavors.
Mamun often ventures outside to explore various destinations within the country. Initially, he takes the time to personally experience these places before capturing their essence through his artwork. Instead of duplicating photographs, Mamun strives to connect with the true essence of his surroundings, drawing inspiration from the depths of his heart. This desire has only grown stronger over the years, motivating him to fully immerse himself in the natural ambiance. Additionally, he frequents Old Dhaka to depict the lively spirit of the city through his paintings. Mamun also indulges in the serene and blissful atmosphere of luxurious resorts nestled amidst hills and captivating greenery in different locations.
Shahnoor Mamun’s solo show titled “Ectasty and Melancholy” is now on at Galleri Kaya in Uttara. The exhibition will continue till March 15.
