A six-day group art exhibition titled ‘Pahar O Paharer Jibon’ (Mountains and Mountain Life) began on Sunday at Safiuddin Shilpalay in the capital’s Dhanmondi area, marking the occasion of Mother’s Day.

Now in its ninth edition, the exhibition has been organised by women’s art collective Jolkonna and features the works of 12 women artists. It will remain open to visitors every day until May 16, from 11am to 8pm.

Jolkonna is a unique platform for women artists, especially those without formal academic training, who explore and express their creativity through visual storytelling—primarily using watercolour and mixed media.

The name combines the Bengali words for ‘water’ (jol) and ‘colour’ (rong), reflecting the collective’s artistic identity and medium.

This year’s edition features 33 pieces rendered in watercolour, ink, and other media, highlighting themes of nature, motherhood, and the everyday lives of mountain communities.

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The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by Professor Farida Zaman, head of the Printmaking Department at Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, and noted actress and filmmaker Chitralekha Guho.

Both praised the participating artists for their resilience and dedication, particularly those balancing their creative journeys with motherhood.

“I became a mother early in life. Balancing my creative career with motherhood hasn’t been easy. At times, I had to carry my child on set and work went on regardless. But no one truly understands that part of our struggle,” said Chitralekha.

Prof Farida shared, “As a mother, I’ve had to move forward from very difficult places. My dream of becoming an artist was nurtured through challenges. I built my studio from scratch while holding my children in my arms.”

The opening ceremony also featured poetry recitations by Mahi Farhana and Nishat Jesmin, musical performances by Swapna Barnadette Francis and Mahbuba Sultana, and traditional hill songs sung by Elina Chakma, adding a vibrant cultural layer to the event.

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Curated with the assistance of artist Ashok Karmakar, the exhibition is sponsored by City Bank PLC.

Participating artists include Suporna Alice Gomes, Azadi Parvin, Sabina Nasrin, Elina Chakma, Tereza Isha Gomes, Flora Urmila, Jacqueline Ria Rozario, Maleka Sultana Nupur, Shama Sultana, Mahi Farhana, Aparna Torpador Mou and Sharifa Mehosa.