Return to Eden, the 5th solo-exhibition of Nasima Khanam Queenie is on at the Alliance Française de Dhaka until December 27. The 31 artworks on display will capture the interest of art lovers as they depict a time, bereft of all sorts of pollution and corruption.
The artworks skillfully done with print media talks about people, nature and love in the simplest manner. Some of the pieces are from a single plate while the prints are in different hues.
By using rare colours, the artist shows the rural Bengal as Eden, where harmony between nature and all its elements are highlighted through every ambiance created.
About the artworks, Nasima explains: “The artworks reflect the time when there was no deforestation, destruction, urbanisation or pollution. It focuses on the time gone by, when every being was in its natural space and going through the natural balanced cycle, preserving nature in its true form.”
The title Return to Eden refers to the time when people lived in total synchronisation with nature, existing simultaneously without dispute or disturbance. When explaining the reason behind choosing the title and the theme of her works, Nasima states: “We may not be able to go back to Eden, but we all want peace. However, with the advancement of technology, our lives took a complex turn. That is why, I made an effort to express peace and tranquility in my artworks.”
About developing the concept of the exhibition, the artist said: “My philosophy is to work on subjects that will have a lasting social impact and create some sort of awareness. We live in an age where materialism has become an intricate part of our life. Life in turn has become complex enough and survival, a continuous battle. I am not critising the advancement of technology, as I am aware of the fact that technology has a significant role to play. However, every human has the right to an uncomplicated and peaceful life.”