Young sculptor-painter Anisuzzaman Faroque’s first solo exhibition ‘GENTLE GRASS’ was unveiled at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Friday.

Organized by AFD in association with ARTcon and Studio III, the exhibition is showcasing a total of 24 sculpture-based artworks and nine charcoal drawings, created by Faroque.

Eminent sculptor and art maestro Professor Hamiduzzaman Khan, Dhaka University's Fine Art Professor Lala Rukh Selim, and Jahangirnagar University's Professor of Anthropology Manosh Chowdhury jointly inaugurated the exhibition.

A book under the same title, published by ARTcon, was also unveiled at the inaugural ceremony of the exhibition.

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Faroque was born in Maheshkhali upazila of Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, in 1993. He received his bachelor's degree in 2015 and master's degree in 2018 from the Department of Sculpture, Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University. 

Working as a sculptor in both figurative and abstract genres, Faroque mastered his skills in clay modelling and sculptural presentation. His linear sculptures have received national recognition, while his drawings, modelling and various medieval sculptures are enriching Bangladesh's diversified art space. 

Faroque also embodies the practice of art in his own life and finds and declares his works of art from everything in nature and life. “I see our everyday events as the source of my artwork and I constantly try to present them in a completely abstract manner, and artworks presented here are made of that simplistic philosophy,” he told UNB.

“Faroque's works in the exhibition oscillate with the rhythms of water and wind. The sensuous juxtaposition of metal sheet shapes and textures with rhythmic curves evokes the touch of sea waves and wind. 

"A transcendental rhythm has been created by the harmony of lines and shapes of natural elements; the interaction between nature's forces and organic structures is presented in a rhythmic manner throughout the sculptural works in the exhibition,” Professor Lala Rukh said at the event.

AFD director François Grosjean said, “We perceive a connection between everyday life and art in the work of Faroque, as well as a connection between art and nature. 

"His creative soul takes its cues from nature and is able to carry on a clear and concise dialogue with the natural world around him, his art is also a method of expressing elements; for instance, we discover the moon in several of his works, which we find to be rather amusing.”

The exhibition will remain open till August 30, Monday to Saturday from 3pm till 9pm.