An exhibition bringing together nine Bangladeshi painter-printmakers is currently underway at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi, exploring the creative dialogue between printmaking and painting across generations.

Titled ‘Second Impression’, the exhibition features works by nine Bangladeshi artists: Monirul Islam, Abul Barq Alvi, Shahid Kabir, Rokeya Sultana, Anisuzzaman Anis, Abdullah Al Bashir, Farzana Ahmed Urmi, and the late Mahmudul Haque and Kalidas Karmakar.

The exhibition presents works by artists from different generations, ranging from pioneers who emerged in the 1970s to artists who came to prominence in the 2000s.

Taking its title from the idea that while a first impression is immediate and instinctive, the exhibition defined by the organisers as a second impression emerges through reflection after an image has settled, revealing details or meanings that may not be apparent at first glance.

According to the organisers, the exhibition examines how the disciplines of printmaking and painting intersect in the artists’ practices. Training in the matrix, plate and stone has influenced their approach to structure, layering, line and composition in their paintings.

While painting traditionally relies on direct gesture, printmaking involves an indirect and iterative process. The exhibition explores how this patience and repetition can reappear on canvas through architectural structures, layered surfaces, atmospheric effects and transformed lines.

Rather than presenting printmaking and painting as separate artistic practices, ‘Second Impression’ brings them together as interconnected expressions of the same creative vision.

The exhibition also challenges the notion of a singular or definitive artwork by highlighting artistic processes shaped by repetition, experimentation and transformation.

The organisers said the exhibition seeks to place printmaking on an equal footing with painting within Bangladesh’s contemporary art landscape, where individual paintings often receive greater attention.

By bringing together artists with diverse approaches and backgrounds, the exhibition also explores how different artistic perspectives can coexist within a shared relationship between the two mediums.

The exhibition was inaugurated on Sep 10 by Zahir Uddin Swapon, MP, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, as the chief guest. Bengal Foundation Chairperson Abul Khair was also present at the inauguration.

Speaking at the opening, Swapon highlighted the importance of sustained patronage of fine arts and culture in enriching the country’s national heritage and supporting artistic excellence.

‘Second Impression’ is on display at the Quamrul Hassan Exhibition Hall, Level 1, Bengal Shilpalay, House 42, Road 27 (new 16), Dhanmondi.

The exhibition will continue until October 3 and is open to visitors daily from 4pm to 8pm.