GROUP SHOW
Colours of Bangladesh
Exhibition dates. 9 - 21 September 2025
Opening Reception : Wed 10 September 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Abinta Gallery of Fine Arts brings with it a reputation for curating promising exhibitions that resonate with audiences and spectators following international standards. Abinta Gallery team is committed to ensuring the success of this showcase through constructive planning, promotion, and execution of the exhibition to enlighten the art lovers of Melbourne with a diverse experience. Numerous master artists and renowned artists of Bangladesh conquered the world of art introducing versatile dimensions into the way of artistic expressions that coincided with the emotions of art spectators depicting the greenery, culture, and traditional significances of the lives of people of Bengal and various subject matters through colorful illustrations.
The exhibition is expected to derive the rich culture of Bangladesh as well as allow the audiences to connect with unique forms of artistic approaches conducted by the legendary and promising Bangladeshi artists.
Artists
Azmeer Hossain, Farida Zaman, Jamal Ahmed, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Mohammad Eunus, Nazmul Haque Bappy, Nur Munjerin Rimjhim, Purnia Mrittika, Sigma Haque Angkan, Monirul Islam and Rafiqun Nabi.
Monirul Islam
Monirul Islam (b. 1943, Chandpur) is a renowned Bangladeshi-Spanish artist celebrated for his lyrical abstraction and pioneering contributions to printmaking. A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, he moved to Spain in the late 1960s on a scholarship and studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, Madrid. There, he developed a unique etching technique known as "Escuela de Monir" (Monir’s School), blending minimal forms, delicate lines, and textured surfaces. His works often use unconventional materials like coffee, brick dust, and handmade paper to evoke memory, nature, and inner emotion. Monirul Islam has received numerous honors, including Spain’s Cross of Officer of the Order of Queen Isabella and Bangladesh’s Ekushey Padak. His art bridges Eastern philosophy and Western technique, making him one of the most significant contemporary artists of Bangladesh. He currently divides his time between Dhaka and Madrid, continuing his creative journey.
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Rafiqun Nabi
It is the arrangement of known objects and other elements taken from nature are the subjects of my paintings. I prefer to use drawings in my own way to break the totalities of those real forms. To avoid imitating nature’s usual beauty, I try to put a changed and new look in it in my compositions. The animals, birds, sunny-landscapes, riverscapes, seas and beaches, hills or the people around these are my main subjects for paintings. I try to amalgamate my own tastes, feelings, experiences, thoughts together to overcome the usual observations. I think these create a stylised essence in my works and that I enjoy doing this all the time.
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Azmeer Hossain
My work often explores the multifaceted landscapes and cultural nuances of Bangladesh, which I articulate through distinct series. The 'Monsoon-Boat' series captures the dynamic interplay of water and vessels prevalent in our monsoonal climate. In contrast, my 'Playground-Buffalo' series offers glimpses into the rural heartland, focusing on the relationship of buffalo in their everyday environment. Furthermore, my 'Persistence-Buddha' series delves into more spiritual and introspective themes, reflecting an engagement with Buddhist philosophy and iconography. Through these series, I aim to offer a nuanced perspective on my surroundings and inner explorations, establishing myself as a dedicated Bangladeshi watercolorist with a layered and evocative approach".
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Farida Zaman
Why do I play with color? Colors express emotions, and my inner self sometimes exaggerates colors to enhance my vision. Once I started observing colors with my artistic vision, everywhere I looked I started noticing colors which never existed before…colors have become and intrinsic part of my journey as an artist my canvases are now incorporating various shades of color to create interest and pleasure for the naked eye… second, perspective of my artistic journey is a language created by my surrounding environment and characters intertwined in my personal growth... Having been born in Bangladesh, a nation of…water, land and sky are essential parts of surviving and in my youth, these three elements were mainly present in my everyday life… they have fueled my imagination, creatures of the sea and land are often present on my canvases taking their shape and forms… exaggerated necks, arms, legs all take flight in my storytelling… a cat is no longer a mere cat … he/she is a character from my past childhood roaming around my Dada Bari’s yard looking for fish bones … human character such as Sofia is a reflection of the women who have inspired my personal life as a teacher, mother and homemaker. Coming full circle in my artistic journey has taught me to appreciate and love myself and my existence on planet earth, and specifically my land of the lush green and my rivers of blue waters.
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Jamal Ahmed
I try to show the beauty of simple moments — like a child playing, a woman working, or a boat floating on the river. I use soft colors and delicate lines to express peace and emotion in my paintings. My goal is to connect with people through art, no matter where they come from. Over the years, I have worked with different styles and mediums, but watercolor and oil painting are my favorites. I often paint scenes from rural Bangladesh, because I feel close to that life and culture. I believe art can speak quietly, yet powerfully, to the human heart. Through my work, I want to remind people to slow down, observe, and appreciate the world around them. Art is my language, and I speak through color and form.
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Kanak Chanpa Chakma
As a member of the Chakma community, she draws from her heritage, focusing on the strength and resilience of these women. In 2023, she was awarded the "Ekushey Padak", one of the highest civilian honours in Bangladesh. Her work has gained international recognition, with exhibitions worldwide and numerous accolades, including Best Woman Artist of the XXI Century (2001) and the Olympic Fine Arts Gold Medal, Beijing, China (2008). She also received the American Alliance Fellowship in 1994 at Penn State University, further enriching her artistic and academic growth. These honors have affirmed her status as one of Bangladesh's leading artists and a tireless advocate for indigenous women’s labor. Kanak's art centers on the often-overlooked contributions of indigenous women, portraying their inner lives, struggles, and beauty. Her vibrant work, full of colour and texture, captures their resilience and emotional depth. Alongside her art, Kanak is committed to championing indigenous rights and supporting animal welfare.
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Mohammad Eunus
Inspiration is essential to my process, often arriving unexpectedly and guiding me to explore ideas through internal sketches and experimentation until an image resonates deeply. Nature is a powerful force in my work, both gentle and fierce. I aim to capture its inner essence rather than mere forms, seeking to evoke emotion and provoke thought. My "Wall" series exemplifies this approach, where the changing surface of a wall symbolizes the layered transformation of society, sometimes marred, sometimes repaired, always evolving. I paint for joy, but never with satisfaction. Contentment can stall growth, so I embrace the unfinished, stopping only when the piece speaks for itself. I see artistic grammar as essential; only by knowing the rules can one break them with intention. While I may not always articulate a painting’s meaning, I invite the viewer into the emotional current that birthed it—to feel, reflect, and discover their connection.
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Nazmul Haque Bappy
My work mainly focuses on nature, and I love using traditional Chinese ink and Oriental painting styles to express my thoughts. Over the years, I have tried to blend these classical techniques with new ideas to create something meaningful and fresh. I’ve held 11 solo exhibitions and taken part in many group shows in Bangladesh and abroad, including in Italy and the UK. My work has been honored with several awards, such as "The Best Award in Oriental Painting" from the University of Dhaka, the Berger Young Art Award, and international recognitions from China, South Korea, and more. Recently, I received the SM Sultan Foundation Award and the Grand Award at the 10th Oriental Painting Exhibition – 2025. Through my art, I hope to keep sharing the beauty of Oriental traditions with the world.
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Nur Munjerin Rimjhim
My work primarily revolves around acrylic painting, where I use bold compositions, expressive figures, and layered symbolism to explore themes of gender, identity, and social justice. I draw inspiration from real-life struggles, particularly the silent yet powerful resilience of women. Each piece reflects personal and collective narratives, challenging deep-rooted societal norms. Art, to me, is a powerful voice; one that can question, disrupt, and inspire change. My emphasis lies on the overlooked narratives of women, shedding light on their struggles and sacrifices. By portraying these experiences on canvas, I seek to elicit empathy and highlight the profound injustices embedded within our society. I believe art should unsettle, provoke, and ultimately push society toward change.
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Purnia Mrittika
I am Purnia Mrittika, born in 1993 in Bangladesh. I earned both my B.F.A. and M.F.A. from the Department of Drawing & Painting at the University of Dhaka, and my paintings have been featured in national and international exhibitions. To me, art is more than just beauty or form—it is a powerful language of expression. Through colors and brushstrokes, I reflect the injustices, struggles, and chaos that shape our society. A deep sense of social awareness flows through my work, giving voice to the unheard and holding space for the possibility of change. Bangladeshi culture, heritage, and identity are also profound sources of inspiration for me. I find joy in portraying our roots with care, affection, and reverence making each piece of art feel deeply soulful and meaningfully connected.
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Sigma Haque Angkan
I am a Bangladeshi sculptor and painter, Sigma Haque Angkan, and I have 25+ years in the field of visual arts. I completed a B.F.A. & M.F.A. degree from the Department of Sculpture, University of Dhaka. I did two solo exhibitions and more than 65 major group exhibitions & workshops nationally and internationally. The prime topic of my sculpture is the life of women, Mother & Child, women’s love, affection, limitations, and responsibilities are reflected in my work. Bronze, Brass, and aluminum are the preferred media of my sculpture. Art is my passion that makes me feel alive. As a freelance artist, I am also the founder and director of Su Angkan Academy, Dhaka.
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