On Mother’s Day, the organization Jalkonna has arranged a six-day joint art exhibition titled “The Hills and the Life in the Hills.” Jalkonna is a women-led art group where artists create paintings using water-based colors; thus, the name “Jal” (water) + “Konna” (girl) = Jalkonna. The exhibition primarily showcases works by self-taught artists without formal academic training. This is the ninth exhibition organized by Jalkonna. This year, in addition to watercolor works, acrylic and mixed media artworks are also on display.
The exhibition was inaugurated on Sunday afternoon, May 11, 2025, at the Safiuddin Shilpalay in Dhanmondi by artist and Supernumerary Professor of Drawing and Painting at the University of Dhaka, Farida Zaman, along with renowned actress Chitralekha Guho. The exhibition features 33 artworks created by 12 artists from Jalkonna. Artist Ashok Karmakar assisted with the curation, and The City Bank PLC is the title sponsor of the exhibition.
The opening ceremony was divided into three segments: a cultural program celebrating Mother’s Day, speeches from the chief guests, and the ceremonial lighting of lamps. The event began with poetry recitations, patriotic songs, and Indigenous music in memory and honor of mothers. Mahi Farhana and Nishat Jesmin recited poetry, while Swapna Bernadette Francis and Mahbuba Sultana performed patriotic songs. Elina Chakma performed Indigenous songs.
Actress Chitralekha Guho shared, “I was a daughter to my mother and became a mother after marriage. As an actress, it was incredibly difficult to carry out my motherly duties while working. I even had to perform on stage while leaving my sick child in the green room—and I had to do it flawlessly. No one could tell my child was ill.” She emphasized that mothers play the most vital role in a child’s upbringing.
Professor Farida Zaman said, “As mothers, we often have to rise from very difficult places. I didn’t study with the goal of becoming an artist, yet I built my career as a painter. I raised my children with my own hands.” She shared her personal experiences of the struggles of working mothers. The event was hosted and moderated by Suprona Ellis Gomez, the founder of Jalkonna.
The participating artists in the exhibition are
Suprona Ellis Gomez, Azadi Parveen, Sabia Nasrin, Elina Chakma, Tereza Isha Gomez, Flora Urmila Rodrick, Jacqueline Ria Rosario, Maleka Sultana Nupur, Shama Sayom, Mahi Farhana, Aparna Torpador Mou, and Sariya Mehesa.
