On the evening of September 5, 2025, Gallery Chitrak unveiled “Troyee”, a collaborative art exhibition showcasing the works of three talented artists: Shahnaz Begum Shahin, Miratul Fatima Raka, and Shahin Sobhana Suravi. These artists, who are close friends and former students from different departments at the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, have come together to present their collective creations.
Renowned Bangladeshi-Spanish artist Monirul Islam graced the event as the chief guest, alongside Professor Mostafizul Haque, a distinguished artist and the chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Shanto-Mariam University, who attended as a special guest. The event was overseen by Luva Nahid Chowdhury, the Director General of Bengal Foundation.
“Troyee” features a display of artworks by women artists, each with a distinct style. These artists returned to their artistic endeavors after a break due to their teaching careers and family life commitments.
During the ceremony, Monirul Islam highlighted the underappreciated contributions of women artists to the art and cultural landscape, both locally and internationally. He emphasized the need for consistent support for women in the arts, noting that women often bear the burden of household responsibilities, hindering their pursuit of artistic dreams. Professor Mostafizul Haque commended the artistic expressions of feminine defiance and rebellion, especially in contemporary art.
The walls of Gallery Chitrak are adorned with captivating paintings by the three talented women, predominantly featuring women and nature. One is immediately drawn to the diverse portraits of women, each uniquely depicted with varying facial characteristics and skin tones. Miratul Fatima Raka, who holds an MFA in Drawing and Painting, presents these bold and culturally diverse paintings. Additionally, her series “Sound of Nature” comprises semi-abstract pieces inspired by natural elements like rain, wind, sunlight, and birdsong.
Shahin Sobhana Suravi’s artworks boldly depict the resilience of women who have faced patriarchy and misogyny. Through her series “Shakuntala”, she vividly portrays the struggles of South Asian women using vibrant colors and meticulous brushwork. Suravi, a graduate of the Department of Crafts, also showcases her intricate handcrafted tapestries.
Shahnaz Begum Shahin, a graduate of the Department of Oriental Art, continues to employ the translucent watercolor wash techniques she mastered during her studies. Her paintings capture various expressions of Bengali women, often featuring a dominant rust hue. Noteworthy are her depictions of women with their pets, exuding joy and affection, as well as her representations of the Bauls of Bengal, the spiritual folk performers.
“Troyee” serves as a commendable showcase of the pioneering work being done by female artists, setting the stage for the next generation to champion women in art and culture. The exhibition at Chitrak will be open to the public until September 16, 2025.