The contrasts between urban and rural life, comic characters, mixed media motifs and the lives of hill tribes all feature in a new exhibition dedicated to some of the most acclaimed artists from Bangladesh.

“Colours of Bangladesh,” at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park, which runs until Sunday, brings together a remarkable collection of works that highlight Bangladesh’s vibrant art, culture, and natural beauty. 

Organised by the Abinta Gallery of Fine Arts, a project of the Abinta Kabir Foundation which supports initiatives in education and poverty eradication, the exhibition marks the gallery’s first international event and a significant milestone in representing Bangladeshi art on a global platform. 

The exhibition features the work of seven celebrated Bangladeshi artists: Monirul Islam, Rafiqun Nabi, Mohammad Eunus, Jamal Ahmed, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Anisuzzaman, and Zahura Sultana. Each artist brings a unique perspective, exploring themes ranging from rural traditions and urban life to nature and identity, offering visitors a vivid and diverse portrayal of Bangladesh. 

Monirul Islam, renowned for his abstract and textural compositions, blends emotion and technique to depict the human condition, while Rafiqun Nabi, creator of the iconic comic character “Tokai,” uses bold imagery to capture socio-political realities. Mohammad Eunus presents a modern take on traditional Bangladeshi motifs through his mixed-media approach, and Jamal Ahmed’s hyper-realistic paintings celebrate the everyday beauty of Bangladeshi life. 

Focusing on indigenous culture, Kanak Chanpa Chakma’s vibrant works reflect the lives and struggles of Bangladesh’s hill tribes, offering rare insights into these communities. Meanwhile, Anisuzzaman and Zahura Sultana delve into themes of memory and heritage through intricate linework and expressive landscapes, capturing the timeless connection between art and place. 

The exhibition also pays tribute to two of Bangladesh’s most celebrated artists – Zainul Abedin, renowned for his “Famine Sketches” series that depict the hardships of the Bengal Famine, and SM Sultan, whose vibrant portrayals of rural life celebrates the strength and harmony of agrarian communities. Their contributions are revered as cornerstones of Bangladeshi art history and have profoundly shaped the course of modern Bangladeshi art. 

Beyond the artwork on display, the exhibition includes a one-day Art Workshop and Art Talk, giving visitors the chance to learn directly from the artists. These events aim to foster connections between Bangladeshi and London-based artists and art enthusiasts, promoting cross-cultural dialogue. 

The exhibition’s organiser, Nilu Rowshon Murshed, chairperson of the Abinta Gallery of Fine Arts, said it is “a labour of love and an opportunity to share Bangladesh’s cultural richness with the world. This exhibition is not just about showcasing art,” she said. “It’s about building bridges between cultures and shining a light on the incredible talent of Bangladeshi artists.” 

“Colours of Bangladesh” is part of A Season of Bangla Drama 2024, a festival organised by Tower Hamlets Council celebrating Bangladeshi culture through theatre, music, and visual arts. The exhibition particularly seeks to engage London’s Bangladeshi diaspora and inspire the next generation of artists, students, and enthusiasts. 

The exhibition is open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park until 1 December 2024.