A seven-day solo exhibition titled “Konnar Kane Dul Aar Khopay Shada Phul” by Zebun Nahar Nayeem will end on Wednesday at 7pm Zainul Gallery of the Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University.
Zebun Nahar is an artist who has already found her forte and is relentlessly pursuing on perfecting her work. Her recent pieces are patterned as per title, but there is a strong underlying message that is uniform in each and every one of them.
Her pieces portray the traditional avatar of women of this region and a unique feminine impression of individuality is radiated from them. The artist revealed her intention to Dhaka Tribune: “I have tried to depict the emotional yet rebellious quality of women in my works. The artworks also reflect the successful attribute with which the women of our country have overcome oppression. Through my work I tried to convey the message that women have triumphed over sorrow and have risen above the continuous suppression.”
“It is my belief that our society has acquired the title of being progressive and on account of that I think we should not always conclude that women are only victims. Rather, it should be appreciated that now a days the women of our country are empowered and they have a voice in all aspects of life.”
The artist, with her dexterity successfully gave power to women with the symbolic use of “Jhumka” and “Flower,” to show that the women in her paintings are free to do as they like, they are free to express their opinions and they are winners in all the battles of life.
The lack of male presence in her work enables one to wonder whether the artist has tried to create a mysterious realm which could only understood by independent female individuals. The birds in the canvas are signifies freedom.
The daring use of bold colours, dark outlines and solid composition are very artistically appealing to the eyes of the viewers. The variation is observed in the gestures of the women in the paintings, the different view, tilt of head, the direct look into the eye, all sums up to a visual symphony of wisdom and empowerment.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique as a chief guest on May 9 and eminent artist Farida Zaman was a special guest on the occasion.