Mahmudur Rahman Dipon: ‘The Moment’ made by a man of many colours

Artist Mahmudur Rahman Dipon is a man of few words; he stands humbly next to his paintings, talking about the music he listens to while painting. A faint smile plays on his lips as he talks about his love for jazz music. 

His quiet demeanour, however, is a contrast to his work. The paintings that line the walls are loud and expressive. They hold emotion in every colour and brush stroke. It feels as if the artist puts his heart on display the moment he picks up a paintbrush. 

Titled 'The Moments', Dipon's third solo exhibition encompasses the little moments and feelings that become the most memorable in our lives.

Titled 'The Moments', Dipon's third solo exhibition captures the fleeting emotions and small instances that often leave the most lasting impressions in our vast lives. His paintings are currently on display at Bhumi Gallery until 15 July, open to the public every day from 4 PM to 8 PM. 

Artist Dipon's works range from vibrant, abstract pieces to black and white charcoal drawings that weigh heavily with emotions. 

While many artists stick to one style as if it were their signature, Dipon silently rebels with diverse subjects, colour palettes, and mediums, never settling to dampen his creativity. 

Artist Dipon shared his motivation behind this: "I always told myself, 'why should I stay in the same place?'" He continues, "Different styles allow for growth and continuation for an artist, and it gives me a lot of freedom."

That said, Dipon leans notably toward abstract art. It's his abstract works that first greet visitors upon entering the gallery. One such piece, 'Sad Windows', offers a glimpse into various windows at night—each evoking its own quiet sense of loneliness.

However, his journey in art took a turn during the Covid-19 pandemic. During this time of deep distress and change, he felt compelled to diverge into a whole new medium, and that is when he picked up charcoal. 

"I've worked with different mediums ever since I was a student. However, I started drawing with charcoal to reflect the pressing mood during the pandemic with black and white," shared Dipon.

Among his charcoal pieces, 'Under the Rubble' truly moved me. The piece depicts the expressions of children stuck under the rubble of a structure. Their suffering is clear as day in their expressions. 

"This piece [Under the Rubble] is about the war in Gaza, and the inhuman conditions the people have to live through. I decided to make children the subject of the drawing as they are the ones who suffer the most," shared Dipon. 

If you explore the gallery further, you will stumble upon impressionist paintings, mostly depicting the beauty of nature. These pieces were some of my favourites as they evoked an odd sense of nostalgia, and a yearning to see the places he painted. 

TBS Picks

Summer in the city

Medium: Acrylic on paper

The abstract piece depicts a skyline that captures the warmth of summer. The red and orange colours blend to capture the hues of a setting sun against the city skyline. The sharp brushstrokes convey the clustered nature of the buildings. While it evokes a feeling of anxiety, it also represents the interconnected nature of the city. 

Waterlily

Medium: Watercolour

The painting of waterlilies in a pond truly transports you to a serene space in the middle of a rainy day. In the style of Impressionism, the waterlilies are brought to life through strategic shading and color choices. The touch of yellow in the flowers brings the picture to life, keeping the flowers in focus. 

Under the Rubble

Medium: Charcoal

The faces of the children emerging from the rubble in the aftermath of war are deeply striking. Their lifeless expressions haunt the viewer, but one child's gaze lingers longest. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she stares directly at us. Her eyes, though filled with sorrow, also burn with anger, quietly holding the world accountable for the suffering inflicted on the innocent.