A solo art exhibition titled Bagher Deshey Boishakh by Nazir Hossain is going on at the Gallery Chitrak and will continue till April 20. Traditional folk motifs dominate the vivacious canvases and the simplicity of the attractive artworks are definitely aimed for the mass people of the country and represents the culture of Bangladesh. His debut show was on Baishakh in 1994, after twenty years, once again his paintings pay tribute to this rich traditions of Bangladesh.
The artist’s signature work, the Bengal tigers are seen celebrating Pahela Baishakh in different avatars, just like humans. The unique quality of Nazir’s work is his ability to portray this ferocious beast as man’s friend. Nazir’s vibrant scroll paintings narrates the story of rural Bangladesh and the artist with his expert touch incorporated a song on canvas, which he has prepared specially for the celebrated occasion of Pahela Boishakh.
His scroll painting Bagher Deshey Boishakh depicts a mermaid arriving in Bengal and celebrating the occasion of Boishakh, the friendly tiger is seen singing to the tune of an Ektara and an array of activities that is common during the festival. It is noticeable that his male characters are always wearing the flag of Bangladesh around his forehead and the womenfolk are carrying water-vessels.
About his work, the artist said: “The fascinating male and female in my artworks represent the culture of rural Bangladesh.” He said: “The bird at the end of my tiger’s tail is put there as a symbol of being the bearer of good news for the people of Bangladesh. My tiger is a symbol of victory,” he added.
One of his scroll painting is aimed at creating awareness to protect the rivers of Bangladesh.
“Our riverine country is losing the scenic beauty of the rivers. I have portrayed the beautiful female face as a symbol of the river.”
His painting on Sundarban shows that the tiger is protecting the beautiful place. Apart from these, the story of Behula is on display.
The exhibition was inaugurated on April 14. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shiro Sadoshima opened the exhibition as chief guest. Eminent artist Quayyum Chowdhury presided over the inaugural session. Art critic Moinuddin Khaled was present as special guest.
