The Resonance of Art at Mounokolpo: Reverberance of Silence
By MWB Desk
In the heart of Dhaka, a serene silence envelops the Edge Gallery, where echoes of unspoken stories reverberate through the art-filled space. The gallery has organized a poignant exhibition titled “Mounokolpo: Reverberance of Silence,” a tribute to the late artist Dewan Mizan. This charity group exhibition not only celebrates Mizan’s artistic legacy but also supports his family, weaving a tapestry of community, compassion, and artistry.
Dewan Mizan, a luminary in the Bangladeshi art scene, passed away in June 2023 after a valiant battle with cancer. Known for his evocative and emotionally charged artworks, Mizan’s legacy is honored through the contributions of 56 esteemed artists who have come together, orering a collection of 64 artworks. Each piece serves as a narrative of resilience and renewal, reflecting the complex interplay of sorrow and hope that characterizes human life.
The exhibition employs the ancient Greek concept of “ekphrasis” – the art of describing visual art through vivid, dramatic verbal depiction. This method transforms the gallery into a resonant chamber where visual and verbal arts merge, allowing attendees to experience art in a multi-dimensional way. Each artwork tells a story, sometimes a whisper of despair, other times a shout of defiance against the trials of life. Upon entering the gallery, visitors are greeted by Abdul Mannan’s poignant work, a stark yet hopeful representation of human endurance. Nearby, the vibrant canvases of Abdus Shakoor Shah bring to life the folklore and traditions of Bangladesh, each stroke imbued with the rich heritage that Mizan himself cherished.
As one moves further, the artwork of Ahmed Nazir offers a contemporary contrast, with abstract forms and bold colors that challenge the viewer to find meaning in the chaos, mirroring the complex emotions surrounding Mizan’s own journey through life and art. Nearby, Afzal Hossain’s serene landscapes provide a moment of reflection, a breath of calm amidst the storm of emotions evoked throughout the exhibition.
A particularly striking piece is by Ivy Zaman, whose work incorporates elements of light and shadow, crafting a visual metaphor for the struggle between life’s tangible and elusive aspects. Each shadow cast and each light beam traversed speaks to the dualities that Mizan explored in his work – presence and absence, noise, and silence.
The exhibition is not just a showcase of art but a vibrant community event that fosters dialogue and understanding. The event was inaugurated by esteemed guests, including artists Mohammad Eunus, Mostafizul Haque, Nasim Ahmed Nadvi, and Nadia Khan – Trustee of Edge, The Foundation.
Prominent artists such as Mahbubur Rahman, Bipasha Hayat, and Hamiduzzaman Khan also attended, showcasing their support. At the exhibition, artists and art lovers dissect the layers of meaning in each piece, exploring the depths of silent stories that resonate within the gallery walls.
Edge, The Foundation, the non-profit behind this exhibition, continues its mission to nurture conscientious and thoughtful citizens through the power of art. By funneling the proceeds from this exhibition into educational initiatives, they ensure that Mizan’s legacy contributes to a broader societal impact, promoting culture and creativity as catalysts for change.
The spirit of “Mounokolpo: Reverberance of Silence” goes beyond a mere exhibition. It’s a movement, a silent yet profound dialogue between the past and the present, the artist and the viewer, the individual and the community. It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and be moved by the silent reverberations of art that, even in stillness, speaks volumes.
As the exhibition continues to draw people from all walks of life, it stands as evidence of the enduring power of art to convey the most profound human emotions and narratives, all while supporting a cause that extends the legacy of one artist to benefit many.
