Artist Jyoutsna Mahbuba explores themes of motherhood, human connection with nature and the beauty of flowers in her second solo print exhibition, Kalpanar Janala, currently under way at Safiuddin Shilpalay in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
The exhibition, which opened on October 3 and runs for nine days, features 72 prints created using a variety of techniques.
The event, coordinated by Safiuddin Shilpalay, highlights the artist’s central focus on motherhood as the key theme of her work.
Among the featured works is a drypoint print, Reliable Shelter, which portrays a mother lovingly holding her two children.
Another print, a woodcut, Motherhood, depicts a hen sheltering its chicks, while a relief print, Struggle, captures the emotional tension of a mother navigating a busy street with her children.
A standout drypoint print, Eternal Love, depicts a couple posing for a family photo surrounded by floral motifs, symbolising enduring affection.
Meanwhile, the woodcut print, Monpura 2, evokes a sense of serenity, showing a couple traveling by boat on a moonlit night.
Additionally, Jyoutsna has created a small series, Pandemic, which comprises three prints featuring medicine bottles—each reflecting the anxiety and uncertainty of life during the lockdown.
Jyoutsna is also displaying 24 smaller prints that explore the beauty of nature, boats, and flowers.
‘The window was the theme of the exhibition—offering a view of reality from the outside or an escape into imagination from within,’ Jyoutsna explained.
She added that after retiring, her family and the Safiuddin Printmaking Studio supported her artistic journey, allowing her to continue printmaking at the age of 73.
An alumnus of Dhaka University’s drawing and painting department, Jyoutsna held her first solo exhibition in 1995 at Drik Gallery.
Since then, she has participated in numerous group art exhibitions.
The exhibition will end on Saturday.
