Chitromela: Reaching across generations through art

On a pouring afternoon, as I walked through the gallery, each piece of artwork in its unique style took me on a journey, reminding me of the country's serene corners. The soothing sound of raindrops mingled with the melodic tunes inside created a lovely atmosphere.

The art exhibition titled 'Chitromela', held at Gallery the Illusions, celebrates the 14th anniversary of Jolerdhara Fine Arts. The exhibition showcases the works of 90 artists. The gallery opened its doors on 4 October and the show is set to come to a close on 12 October.

The walls displayed pieces by veteran artists such as Hashem Khan, as well as students like Razoana Akter Rosny. 

The exhibition presents a mix of themes, ranging from village scenes reminiscent of school art projects and vibrant portraits of flowers, to unique self-portraits and compositions that capture the charm of Old Dhaka, the boat life of fishermen, and women portrayed with elegance and mystery. A few pieces also capture the enigmatic beauty of a Jomidar baris (palace of landlords).

'Buffalo with Nature,' a watercolour painting by Azmeer Hossain, transports you to a serene landscape, making you feel the gentle breeze. 

Anamuz Zahid's 'Waiting for Hunting-2' features a hawk so lifelike that you can almost feel its gaze piercing through to your soul, and Karu Titas's 'Fishermen Destination' evokes the feeling of early morning walks along the shores of Cox's Bazar.

One of the interesting aspects of the exhibition is that it displayed the works of renowned artists alongside pieces from students in one room. 

"Art is taught by mentors, not by schools. I strive to live by this belief through my workshops and art camps. Everyone has a mentor, and my students are someone's mentor too, helping to keep our art community alive," shared Shohag Parvez, founder of Jolerdhara Fine Arts.

He continued emphasising the importance of having a teacher, "There's no such thing as an amateur. You are already an artist if you follow your mentor's lessons."

The diversity in artists highlighted the growth of a community devoted to fostering creativity across generations.

"The concept of the exhibition is that it removes the divide between learners and professionals, showing that talent can flourish anywhere," said Parvez, who believes the show has the potential to inspire art enthusiasts in the future. 

Parvez's ambition for Jolerdhara Fine Arts goes beyond this event. He plans to bring the platform to major cities across the country, giving artists from all backgrounds the chance to develop their skills.

This was Gallery The Illusion's second exhibition, and they are already off to a strong start. The collection highlights a deep connection to our roots, with many pieces reflecting the country's landscapes, traditions, and everyday life. 

The variety of styles and techniques, from soft pastels to mixed media, shows how important it is to keep drawing inspiration from our cultural heritage. As modernity often takes centre stage in our lives, exhibitions like this remind us of the value of celebrating the beauty of our origins through art.

TBS Picks

'Buffalo with Nature' by Azmer Hossain
Medium: Watercolour

There is something serene about the simplicity of a buffalo in the middle of nothing, with white birds flying around it. Yet as a viewer, you can sense there is a storm brewing somewhere, which is evident in the painter's masterful brush strokes, in dark and light colours.

'Waiting for Hunting - 2' by Anamuz Zahid
Medium: Watercolour

At first glance, the feeling of both the predatory hawks staring at you, sets in. The painter has given life to the birds while taking away life from the background by the use of the colour white. Everything looks morbid while the two birds wait for their next prey; in this instance, it's the viewer. 

'Self 2022' by Chandra Shekhar Dey
Medium: Pen drawing and watercolour

The self-portrait was a fun and interesting piece to look at, as the painter does not shy away from using as many colours to showcase his personality through his art. The blend of modern art and self-portrait is beautifully done.