Natural splendor of Bengal

Shohag Parvez, considered one of the most dedicated contemporary Bangladeshi painters, has a zeal for portraying the splendour of nature, serene environment, riverine life, cloudy skies and hilly areas. He believes that we are all part of nature, but some of us closely observe nature with intense passion.The painter’s solo art exhibition titled “Banglar Rup” is now on at Dhaka Art Centre, Dhanmondi in the city. At the exhibition, the painter concentrates on the consistency of colours, smooth textures and mind-boggling features. In their unique application on the canvas, the colours come across as lively and the objects as well as compositions seem delightfully decorated.About his ongoing exhibition, Shohag says, “We are going through an unpredictable time. People have become more urbanised and they forget their roots and origins. I don’t like to focus on sorrow or ongoing social and political turmoil; I want to purely focus on untainted nature and its varied alluring aspects. I believe that we live in a state of mayhem and disorder because we are far away from nature. Soon this will be changed. As an artist I’m optimistic and confident.”
Shohag began his career as a naturist painter. He has a preference for portraying seasonal changes, Kalboishakhi, greenery hills, deep forest, the people of the hilly areas, boats, rivers, wild flowers and peasants’ life. He has also painted different types of boats in different localities in our country. At the exhibition, a large number of his watercolours focus on mountain life, miles apart from our lives in the plains. The artist meticulously portrays mountain sights and their surrounding ambiance. He frequently visited the areas and painted them. He does not believe in copying from photographs.
Shohag embarked on his primary education at Kushtia Zilla School. On completion of his primary education, he gained admission at Kushtia Khongsara College. During this time, he started copying the works of old masters like Helen Parsley, Spencer Frederick Gore, John Constable, William Turner and Van Gogh. He was engrossed with their works, particularly their tones, textures and use of light and shade. Afterwards, Shohag brought romanticism and pure scenic beauty in his works. His colours are often subdued and quiet, which can translate the significance of the themes.
Solitude and tranquility are two vital mechanisms in Shohag’s works. The themes of his works are in a somber mood and their characteristics are highlighted. Lighting is a prominent feature in the works and the artist generally prefers luminous light. At times, his figures (villagers and farmers) look immobile and help us reflect on their experiences, ecstasy and despair. At the exhibition, his acrylic and water colours and drawings have varied tonal effects, detailing the focus on the subject. White, blue, emerald green, yellow and black are predominant aspects in his paintings. Scrupulous harmonising of light and shade is another noticeable feature in his works.
The exhibition will continue till September 26.