Buoyant colours of a brave heart

Anisur Rahman’s solo exhibition
Fayza Haq
Churiwali (Left) and Rhythm-2 by Anisur Rahman

Anisur Rahman’s solo exhibition at Art Club Bangladesh proves once again that an indomitable spirit can conquer physical limitations. Despite numerous operations on his brain and the fact that his right side had become paralysed, the artist has ventured into a laudable effort. Through lines, forms, textures and colours he has overcome his handicap and delighted his viewers with the flat-brush-strokes of his bright colours. He is deeply engrossed in human aspirations and dreams, which he expresses through his restless strokes and vivid colours. There are 48 entries at the exhibit.Artist Rafiqun Nabi says about Rahman’s work, “Anisur Rahman is a senior painter and my contemporary. He has taken human figures as his subjects. Anis has his own style and is not governed by techniques. His colour compositions are definitely laudable.”

Nahid Osman the curator of the gallery adds, “This exhibition features illustrations of day to day accounts from the artist’s diary. The feelings generated by his tormented sub-consciousness are depicted through the works of art. Through sheer determination, he has trained his left hand to continue with his work with perseverance. Anis finds the work therapeutic and through his hard work he re-establishes himself.”

“Most of my paintings are based on rhythm, hence I call the exhibition Rhythm of the Soul. The works are figurative with semi-abstract presentation. I use acrylic, as oil is difficult for me to handle. However, I try to retain the effect of oil,” says Anis.

On the Stage depicts a couple of thespians, done in red, brown, blue, black and green. Another piece shows how elder sisters look after their siblings. It has bright colours and quick brush strokes with circular lines and dots. Spring-2 brings in beauty of nature around. Gossiping shows women, some standing and some sitting, talking to their hearts content. Bright colours, once again are set off by dramatic black.

Fisherman shows a villager with a bright gamchha tied around his head. Untitled has suggestions of a face and a figure, with loud splashes of orange, yellow and blue.

Churiwali features a woman with a basket of bangles on her head. Her sari has a layer of net used as collage — which lends interest to the texture — and behind her are the barges where the gypsies live. The dominant hues are orange and yellow with splashes of green and black. Composition-4 brings in suggestions of flowers of different colours. Fallen Bird is a poignant image with splashes of blood.

Anisur Rahman has had exhibitions held in Pakistan and France. The artist has taken part in National and Asian Biennale exhibitions.

The exhibition ends on August 10.