Renowned visual artist Shakil Mridha’s journey into the world of art began in his ancestral home, where a simple toy parrot sparked his creativity at a young age. Surrounded by the vibrant creativity of his upbringing, from Nakshi Kantha embroidery to pithapuli making, Mridha developed a deep appreciation for folk art styles that have influenced his work.
A graduate of the Department of Printmaking at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Mridha experienced a visual awakening upon moving to the city. The intricate art adorning rickshaws captivated him, leading him to describe it as a pure and powerful form of Bangladeshi art. Despite its limited scale with only a few artists practicing the craft, rickshaw art’s impact on the cityscape is profound, shaping the visual language of Dhaka.
Mridha finds inspiration in the evolution of rickshaw art, noting how artists adapted creatively under restrictions by portraying animals engaging in human activities, resulting in whimsical and surreal compositions. While rooted in folk traditions, Mridha primarily identifies as a printmaker, utilizing his home studio for canvas painting and printmaking, following a philosophy of creative freedom akin to Picasso.
His artwork often features recurring motifs such as birds, drawn from nostalgic childhood memories of observing nests outside his window. Mridha’s unique style blends traditional folk elements with modern design techniques, incorporating geometric abstraction and vibrant colors to create a new visual language that bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary art.
Expressing concern for the preservation of folk traditions, particularly rickshaw painting, Mridha advocates for greater recognition and support for the artists behind these iconic works. He views the potential loss of these art forms as a threat to cultural identity and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academic and folk artists to sustain these traditions for future generations.
In a world where art is not just about aesthetics but also about heritage and identity, Mridha’s work stands as a vibrant celebration of life, echoing the colorful and energetic spirit of the rickshaw art that initially captivated him in Dhaka.