An exhibition of Nakshi Kantha – a type of quilt embroidered by hand – is taking place at Bengal Shilpalaya in Dhanmondi, organised by the Bengal Foundation to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin on December 29.
Twenty-two Nakshi Kantha, collected from the private collection of Zainul Abedin, are on display at the exhibition, which opened on Tuesday and will run until January 10, open for everyone from 12-8pm.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith was chief guest, and Jahanara Abedin, Shilpacharya’s wife, was special guest at the inauguration of the exhibition on Tuesday.
The colourful patterns and designs of Nakshi Kantha was derived from Bangla word “naksha,” which refers to artistic patterns. The early kanthas had a white background accented with red, blue and black embroidery; later, yellow, green, pink and other colours were included. Geometrical designs, human beings, animals and others are depicted through complicated yet eye-catching sewing generally on light colour fabrics. Kanthas are made throughout Bangladesh, but the greater Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Faridpur and Jessore areas are most famous for this craft.
In December last year, Bengal Foundation and Italian publication house Skira Editore jointly published a book titled “Great Masters of Bangladesh: Zainul Abedin.” It is a part of a series of publications by Bengal Foundation about prominent artists of Bangladesh. The book comprises the life and work of the Shilpacharya, his surroundings and country, society and the art movement in Bangladesh enlightening the thought of the legendary artist.
The great contribution of Zainul Abedin in the art world has an effective influence on his family members. Their paintings were exhibited last year at Bengal Gallery under the title “Shilpacharyar Prosharito Shilpangan.” Bengal Publications also released Bangla book “Zainul Abedin” by Abul Mansur. The monthly magazine Kali O Kalam has issued a special birth centenary volume.
Bengal Foundation has also been working with the artist’s family and preparing a series of exhibitions, which will be displayed at the Foundation’s three exhibition spaces in Dhaka.
