Iffat Ara Dewan’s solo art exhibition titled Last Summer has begun yesterday at the Bengal Art Lounge in Gulshan. The prominent Tagore singer began her artistic ventures around two decades ago and this is her 11th solo show. Recently Iffat Ara talked to the Dhaka Tribune about her artistic career.
In which medium your orientation occurred first, singing or painting?
The singing orientation was ensued first in my early childhood. I started to learn Indian classical music and then took music lessons in Chayanaut. My first record of two Tagore Songs Rupe Tomay Bholabo Na and Probhu Bolo Bolo released from Dhaka and Kolkata in 1970 with world famous label EMI. Although art was one of my core interests from childhood, I started painting seriously from 1990 and my first solo exhibition was held in 1992.
What sort of paintings is featured in your latest solo exhibition titled Last summer?
Mostly flowers done in pastel colours and some works of acrylic on canvas. The Last Summer features blooming flowers and landscapes.
As a Tagore singer are you inspired by Tagore’s frequent use of the names of flowers in songs and poems?
In 2011, I displayed some paintings of flowers done in acrylic, in synchronisation with Tagore songs, marking the 150th birth anniversary of the Nobel Laureate poet.
In my very personal approach to the genre of “still life,” I like to do paintings of flowers. Also, many prominent artists in the world painted beautiful flowers that inspired me to pick it up as the subject of my paintings.
Given the choice between music and art, which one would you pick?
Without a doubt I would pick music, as this is the medium through which I express myself with the utmost comfort and passion. My music reflects my inner thoughts. In my leisure period usually I focus on painting.
