Nandonpot: Where generations meet on canvas

Art exhibitions shine brightest when galleries embrace multiple media. So when I walked into Gallery Chitrak and saw a beautiful three-panel woodcut on paper titled 'Urban Musings', I was impressed not only by the technique but by how the artwork recalled quiet afternoons spent watching rooftops from my own balcony, when time felt slower in the most peaceful way.

'Nandonpot' is a group exhibition of 31 artists, bringing together works from multiple generations under one roof. Visitors can explore art in various forms, collectors will have a range of choices for their next piece, and enthusiasts may just discover their latest source of inspiration.

When you view the works of different generations side by side, you begin to understand what each finds beautiful.

"Every artist has their own take on art, and you'll find mixed media on canvas capturing everything from urban life to the stillness of rural scenes and fleeting moments from daily life. Depending on the artist's generation, their point of view shifts," said Md Faijul Islam, the organiser.

Gallery Chitrak's space was well curated: large works filled the broad walls, medium-sized paintings were neatly arranged side by side, and smaller pieces were thoughtfully placed for visual balance.

Among the many highlights, Jamal Ahmed's piece stands out for its intimacy as he found beauty within the quiet corners of his own studio and chose to preserve that stillness on canvas. 

Hamiduzzaman Khan offered a more abstract interpretation of nature, using shape and form to convey movement without disrupting calm. 

Meanwhile, Rashid Khan's portrait of a girl, titled 'Silence Between Two Noons', is alluringly precise. The girl's expression, paired with the muted tones, captures a sense of pause, of words unspoken, of emotions suspended in time, mirroring the poetic weight of the title itself.

"We wanted to create a space where junior artists could be inspired by senior artists and their years of experience. The idea was to make that connection easier," the organiser added.

'Nandonpot' vividly portrays Bangladesh: its landscapes, struggles, people, animals, and nature.

The exhibition runs until 30 June at Gallery Chitrak in Dhanmondi. It's the perfect chance to take a break from Dhaka's pace and sit quietly with some art.

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