‘Dreamweaver’: Exploring the imaginative worlds of 12 emerging artists

On a mild autumn evening after work, I once again found myself drawn to Bhumi Gallery to witness the magnificent art pieces that beautifully adorned its intimate spaces. Curated by Saifur Rahman Lenin, "Dreamweaver" is a group exhibition showcasing the imaginative visions of 12 emerging Bangladeshi artists. Inaugurated on October 17, 2025, the event was graced by eminent artist Prof Jamal Ahmed, who attended as the chief guest and shared an inspiring address celebrating the new generation of creators.

As I stepped into the gallery, I was instantly enveloped by the soul-stirring presence of the artworks around me. As someone endlessly drawn to dark, cool-toned hues, I found my heart stolen by Maneek Banik's mesmerizing paintings of moonlit nature at night. In contrast, Monjur Rashid's signature canvases burst with vibrant colours, portraying cheerful scenes of birds and flowers that seemed to hum with life. Meanwhile, Biplob Chakraborty's pieces stood apart with their distinctive, Picasso-esque interpretations of rural landscapes; bold, abstract, and profoundly expressive.

The jaw-dropping sculptures that instantly heightened my senses were the creations of Lekhnesa Khushi. Her works left a deep impact on my soul; not only for their remarkable skill and precision, but for the quiet intensity and devotion they embody. Ziaur Rahman's portrayals of bulls in motion commanded attention with their striking play of light and shadow, while Azmol Hosen and Jolok Saha's depictions of Bangladesh's flora were rendered with such realism that they seemed almost alive.

Soikat Hossain's boats under the moonlight brought to mind Tagore's poem "Majhi" (The Boatman), while his paintings of boats resting in yellowish-green duckweed – textured with such charm – made me giggle with joy. Nabaraj Roy's abstract cityscapes, rendered in earthy tones and deep blues, beautifully captured the rhythm of urban life. The subtlety and translucent beauty of watercolour are beautifully reflected in Anamuz Zahid's paintings. Meanwhile, Nargis Poly's symbolic art, with its futuristic touch and occasional glitters, is both thought-provoking and neat.

I have followed Iskindar Mirza's art on social media long enough to eagerly anticipate seeing his work in person. Gazing at the luminescent flora he paints against dark backgrounds felt almost divine; the colours glowing softly, each petal magnified beyond its natural form. It felt as though I was looking at flowers beaming through a microscope.

In short, "Dreamweaver" truly lives up to its name, with each magnificent artwork mesmerising the viewers and showering them with sensory delight. The exhibition at Bhumi Gallery will remain open until October 28, 2025.