City of Rhythm, the 28th solo exhibition of Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed portrays the vibrant colours and the traditional way of life that is still present in the old town area of Dhaka. The exhibition jointly organised at the Institute of Asian Creatives by Shilpangon and IAC is a treat for art lovers as it showcases some unique pieces that try to highlight the fact that unity is rather more important than individuality that has created a havoc in our society.
At the exhibition, 38 artworks are on display that are composed of acrylic on canvas and experimental work of colouring bamboo mats with wood powder to add dimension and edge to the pieces. With the advent of modernity, pressure of urbanisation and development, old Dhaka is losing its appeal and the structures are losing its value. The artist is from the old town of Dhaka and has tried to capture the positive aspects of the close knitted society and settlement, through his experience as a local. His current exhibition is a reminiscence of his memories of the joy and closeness he enjoyed during his childhood and portrays the feeling of belonging that is apparent in such settlements.
About this exhibition, the artist mentions: “The main objective of my work is to break the stereotypes of old Dhaka, created by the dominant paradigm, that renders it useless. I grew up perceiving the Mughal architecture, that made the provincial center of commerce in Eastern Bengal. In my paintings, the structure and lives of the people have been reflected through forms, compositions and colours. The artworks also incorporate elements from my childhood memories, aspects of daily existence and is blended together to reflect the fantastic rhythm, music, smell and texture of the old city.”
Salahuddin also said : “Commerce has always been the heart of old Dhaka, but the current level of commercialisation cannot be confined within the older part of Dhaka. As a result, marginalisation and decay have become the order of the day. All around me, lives and structure, of our heritage is falling apart. My artworks are an attempt to show our legacy and reinvent the old town.”
The inauguration of the exhibition was attended by Trustee of Shilpangan, Salahuddin Ahmed, President of the France Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Humayun Rashid and art critics Rabiul Hossain.