Visual artist Abdul Guffar Babu advocates for peace and calls for a world free from war and violence in his fourth solo art exhibition, currently under way at Gallery Chitrak in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
Titled ‘Canvas of Tranquility’, the two-week exhibition, which opened on October 4, features 65 artworks that explore themes of natural beauty, harmonious human interactions and abstract representations of inner peace.
All of Babu’s works, created using oil on paper, employ soothing colour palettes, gentle forms and minimalistic compositions. His pieces invite viewers and art lovers to envision a more peaceful world.
One of the standout series in the exhibition, titled ‘Mechanical Roots’, consists of seven paintings that combine wooden textures with fragments of metallic watch gears.
This blend of organic and mechanical elements symbolises the coexistence of nature and technology.
An oil on paper piece, ‘Stop War and Violence-3’, portrays a revolver from which a rose emerges.
In ‘Tranquility’, a grenade and a flower are juxtaposed, symbolising peace and fragility.
‘Echoes of Silence’ depicts a vintage chair, representing absence and the memories left in an occupied space.
Another work, ‘The Silent Watcher-2’, features an owl silently observing its surroundings.
‘As a visual artist, my work is deeply influenced by the natural world, cultural heritage, social justice and personal experiences. Through my art, I aim to explore and communicate the intricate relationships between humans and nature, tradition and modernity, identity and society,’ Babu said.
He added that his exhibition is a call for peace, harmony, and unity.
‘Art, for me, is a powerful medium for storytelling and connection, bridging the gap between different perspectives. In a world often torn apart by conflict and discord, it emphasises the importance of environmental stewardship, the value of preserving cultural heritage and the need for empathy and compassion in society,’ he explained.
Besides, Abdul Guffar Babu, an alumnus of the printmaking department of Dhaka University, explores his creativity through various mediums, including design, painting and photography.
The exhibition will conclude today.
