THE Exhibition titled 'Paintings '99' in Gallery 21has turned out to be a major success. It is not only the art-enthusiasts who are piling into the gallery to appreciate the works of the artists of Dhaka Art Circle - the general people are also pouring in. in huge numbers to. to admire them. The best thing about it all is that the exhibition has aroused an interest in the people not seen before. They want to understand what the paint-

ings mean and they are actu-.-•k iiijovmg themselves, trying to figure out what the paintings are ali about, using their imagination to the fullest, and then comparing their own ideas with that of the artists who have created the art-pieces.

When asked, a viewer stated that the best part of the exhibition was that there were many artists (well, eleven artists) to examine and understand. She said that it was a delight to compare each and point out their differences and similarities and distinguish between their style, use of colour and

their feelings portrayed through their canvasses. Another said, "1 loved Swapan Chowdhury's paintings and the way he used the colours red and blue. At first sight it just seems like a colour composition with bits of paper - but a second look tell a different story'. A lot of Chowdhury’s popularity has a lot to do with 'Muktir Gaan'. especially where the present generation is concerned. They can hardly believe that Muktir Gaan's Swapan Da is today's Swapan Chowdhury.

Chandra Shekhar Dey too is very liked - proved by a viewer

who proclaimed. ‘He used just a pen to do al! this?! How could lie? It is so fabulous - he must have a lot of time to spare! Maybe that's why he called his art pieces 'Time!" Pretty outspoken. one should think! Works of Late Golarn Sarwar too is quite popular with the audience who found solace in the dark, deep colours he had used.

The exhibition will continue till the 12 of this month - and there is no doubt that more and more people will be pouring in to delight In the works of such a talented [tool of artists.