By Taskina Yeasmin (Dhaka Bureau)
Is there a world beyond what we see every day? How do we perceive the truths hidden deep beneath or far beyond the visible reality- the roads, traffic, cars, people, or the sky? Prominent Bangladeshi visual artist Zakia Khan Chandana has brought this unseen and subconscious reality to life on her canvases.
The 4th solo art exhibition by artist Zakia Khan Chandana was held at the Osman Zaman Auditorium of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. Titled ‘Reality of the Subconscious Mind,’ the exhibition inaugurated on August 2 and continued through August 8.
A Journey Beyond Visible Reality into Surrealism
Emerging in France during the 1920s, Surrealism aimed to reject rational reality and transform human dreams, the subconscious mind, and Freudian psychology into art. Inspired by the legacy of world-renowned artists like Salvador Dalí and Giorgio de Chirico, Zakia Khan Chandana has crafted her distinct artistic expressions.
Artist Chandana’s canvases are not confined to conventional human figures or landscapes; rather, they delve deep beneath the earth’s lithospheric layers and reach into the vastness of the universe. Through symbols and metaphors, her artworks illuminate the complex interactions of the human psyche, societal contradictions, impermanence, existential crises, and the emergence of new possibilities amidst destruction.
Reflecting on her exhibition and creative process, artist Zakia Khan Chandana shared:
‘Since the beginning of my experimental art journey, I have had a strong fascination with Surrealism. I wanted to express the impermanence of nature and human existence, alongside our critical struggle for survival. I tried to portray the story of new possibilities born from destruction and transformation through a narrative on canvas, utilizing symbolic elements and metaphors to capture continuous evolution. These works are the result of two to four years of continuous dedication.’
In these times of social conflict, violence, and complex emotional turmoil, Zakia Khan Chandana’s exhibition, ‘Obocheton Moner Bastobota’ (The Reality of the Subconscious Mind), offered viewers more than just aesthetic pleasure; it compelled them to look within and reflect on the profound truths of life. Photo: Taskina Yeasmin.
Appraisals by Scholars and Art Critics
Attending the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) of the University of Dhaka, remarked- ‘Artist Zakia Khan Chandana is a highly talented and internationally acclaimed artist. Her endeavor to portray the fragile nature of life and complex societal themes through art is truly commendable.’
Special guest Prof. Dr. Md. Abdus Sattar, Ekushey Padak recipient and Honorary Professor, commended the artist’s unique perspective- ‘Every human mind undergoes continuous thoughts and reactions. Artists feel these deeply and reflect societal conflicts onto their canvas. In this exhibition, the artist has beautifully expressed these deep inner workings of the mind.’
Dr. Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, stated:
‘Zakia Chandana is one of the very few artists in Bangladesh practicing in the realm of Salvador Dalí’s Surrealism. Through deep meditation and research, she has brought to life the subconscious thoughts that transcend reality, exploring the transition and evolution of objects. It is crucial for the younger generation of students to observe and understand such profound dedication and international-grade artistry.’
Representing Bangladesh on the Global Stage
After completing her Master’s degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Zakia Khan Chandana won the Berger Young Artist Award in 1998 and the Departmental Award for Experimental Art in 2000. In 2002, she was selected for the Southeast Asian Young Artists Program organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, launching her international journey.
Having participated in numerous workshops and exhibitions globally, her previous solo exhibitions took place at Zainul Gallery in Dhaka, Toronto in Canada, and Alliance Française de Dhaka. She is currently working at Scholastica School and College.
In an era marked by social strife, violence, and psychological turmoil, Zakia Khan Chandana’s ‘Reality of the Subconscious Mind’ exhibition offered viewers more than just aesthetic delight- it compelled them to look inward and ponder the deeper truths of human existence.
Taskina Yeasmin: Senior Reporter, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
