Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on Monday inaugurated a solo painting exhibition titled 'Ei Shooters pHawabibi' (Hawabibi In this City) by Dhaka-based visual artist Shaily Shrabonti at its La Galerie in Dhanmondi.

Introducing Hawabibi as a mythical figure silently roaming the cityscape, the exhibition reflects on the cultural, social and symbolic forces shaping women’s lives.

Shrabonti combines traditional Oriental art techniques with contemporary materials—including watercolor washes, acrylic, pen, clay and locally sourced elements—to depict how ancient and modern systems of control have historically confined women’s agency.

Through this lens, the works explore the interplay of myth, memory and urban life in women’s experiences, highlighting subtle forms of resistance and the pursuit of freedom, identity and voice in patriarchal settings.

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Shrabonti, a Dhaka-based visual artist, completed her BFA and MFA in Oriental Art from the Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University. Her practice merges contemporary oriental techniques with mythological narratives, focusing on women’s resilience and transformation while reclaiming stories historically told for them.

The exhibition, featuring 45–47 mixed-media works, will remain open to visitors till September 3. Visiting hours are from 3 pm to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday, at AFD’s gallery located at 26 Mirpur Road.