Takir Hossain

Monica Jahan Bose is an artist who is not quite familiar in the Dhaka art circuit. Her first exhibition in Bangladesh, titled “Drowning: Is there time for Love?” is now on at Alliance Francaise, Dhaka.

The artist has lived in many countries and has acquired diverse experiences throughout her career. At present, she lives and works in Paris. Though she lives abroad but her umbilical cord with Bangladesh is still seemingly intact.

Monica is a figurative and objective painter. Her images pulsate with life: provocative and dramatic. These elements make her works seem a veritable part of our surroundings with all the conflicts and achievements. Her figures hint at many untold stories. Her thought process is seemingly eloquent and has a touch of contemplation.

The themes of her paintings range from Language Movement to women's rights, illiteracy and fundamentalism. Her works plunge deep into Bengali culture and heritage. Bangla alphabets, women's tops, rickshaws, Shaheed Minar and the map of Bangladesh are some recurring motifs in her paintings.

The motifs simplify her works, and helps create a personal hallmark. She portrays common peoples' beliefs, notions and expressions. A noticeable aspect is many characters, each demonstrating individuality.

Monica is well aware of the present socio-economic and political scenario in Bangladesh. Her artistic mind engrossed with the people and their bliss, sorrows, contentment and visions -- all clearly projected in her works. Her works project development and progress as well.

The artist feels comfortable working on a large canvas according to her theme and composition. Her work is clarified by a powerful engagement with figures, objects and space -- with bold and sweeping brushstrokes. She plays with texture and illusion for the surface effects.

The paintings appear to chart the artist's own intimate journey through religious, linguistic and geographical boundaries, while also commenting on the role of these boundaries in our society.