Miniscope: Small works, deep focus

When you hear the word 'miniscope' in the context of an art exhibition, it kind of explains itself, doesn't it? 

The idea of showcasing small-format artworks feels perfectly at home in Lalmatia's Dwip Gallery—a modest little space that's quietly made a name for itself as a recurring stop for art lovers, always hosting fresh works from a rotating lineup of talented artists.

This current exhibition is no different. Out of many submissions, the organisers handpicked over a hundred pieces by 56 different artists. It's been quite the visual treat—and now, as the final day rolls around, the show is getting ready to wrap up.

"It's one of our ways of bringing both emerging and established artists into the fold," said Manan Morshed, one of the founders of Dwip Gallery and the mind behind the exhibition. 

He explained that shows like this offer valuable exposure—not just for the artists poised to make their mark tomorrow, but also for those underrated talents who don't often get the spotlight in the city's more high-profile solo or group exhibitions.

If you drop by the gallery, don't go in expecting giant 10-foot canvases to dominate the walls. What you'll find instead are small, petite pieces—each with its own personality and purpose. 

There's no overarching theme tying everything together, which might feel a bit scattered to those who favour more structured, thematic exhibitions. But the organisers see it differently. In their view, giving artists complete freedom—no boxes, no boundaries—lets their creativity breathe.

"We accepted submissions from every discipline, every corner of art that the artists felt inspired to explore. There was no theme, and I think that's exactly why the artists could truly be themselves," said Manan.

The artworks showcase a mix of styles, techniques, and emotions, creating a wide pool of artistic exploration. While walking through the hall space, you will find a series of collective paintings arranged on the walls.

And what's on display is nothing short of a visual feast—rich in texture and layered with abstraction. You'll come across pieces where earthy tones take the lead, their surfaces thick with tactile depth. 

These works seem to whisper stories of decay, memory, and nature's quiet power. The use of mixed media—bits of fabric, paper, and unexpected materials—adds a raw, almost unfiltered energy to them.

Some pieces lean into storytelling, offering more figurative expressions. One standout piece shows intertwined figures surrounded by musical notes—an intimate portrayal of connection, maybe even a metaphor for finding harmony in the middle of chaos.

Others drift into darker, introspective territory. These are more subdued, with monochromatic palettes and surreal imagery that invite you to pause and look deeper—into human emotions, complex relationships, and the fleeting nature of time.

Among them, a single piece holds its ground—'The Music' by Ifat Ara Anzum. This mixed-media work brings together delicately pencilled figures, vintage newspaper clippings, and bold strokes of red. 

One figure hides their face, another is curled into themselves—both fragile, almost breakable. A gramophone sits quietly among them, perhaps echoing memories or offering a route of escape. 

The layering of text and imagery cleverly blends personal emotion with echoes of history and politics, making the piece feel deeply reflective, yet universally relatable.