The ongoing Grand Group Art Exhibition at Saju Art Gallery (Gulshan-2, Dhaka] features a collection of 150 artworks, created by 105 art-

Ramiz Ahmed Chowdhury opened Saju Art Gallery in 1974. Saju started an art exhibition, titled “Grand Group Art Exhibition”, in 1977 which has gradually become the biggest annual art show in this country.

At this year's exhibition, renowned as well as emerging artists are showcasing their works. Works of Quamrul Hassan, SM Sultan, Safiuddin Ahmed, Mohammad Kibria, Aminul Islam, Abdur Razzaque, Murtaja Baseer, Syed Jahangir, Shamsul Islam Nizami and Monirul Islam have added value to the collection of

artworks on display. Here's a look into what the exhibition has on offer:

Safiuddin Ahmed is the oldest living artist of Bangladesh. Ahmed is known for his lyrical prints since the '50s. His works at the exhibition feature subdued colours along with some floating forms [wood engraving].

Mohammad Kibria, known for his compositions, works in several mediums, applying different techniques. His etching at the exhibition denotes black and gray shades with some dotted minute forms. The painter has simplified and enhanced the abstract image that constructs a visual reference to his memories. In his work, memory is the luminosity and it creates a unique journey.

A bohemian and mystic, the late SM Sultan's only watercolour at the exhibition visually narrates stories involving rural ambiance,

where farmers are toiling in the fields. The figures in Sultan's paintings are muscled and powerful, denoting a sense of prosperity — a vision the artist had for rural Bengal.

At 78, Murtaja Baseer is still very active in the field of art. At the exhibition, his painting, titled "The Wing”, articulates truth, beauty, romanticism and spirituality. Over the years, Baseer has become more innovative, using space to interact with lines and forms on his canvas.

A versatile individual in arts, Abdur Razzaque was not only immersed in the sculpture medium, but print making and painting were also among his favourite media of expression. He had shown outstanding evidence in both creativity and skill in each branch. Even on the day prior to his death, he was silently involved in his work. Syed Jahangir is greatly influenced by American Expressionism. At the exhibition, his work focuses on rural Bengal and its rivers.

The exhibition includes Monirul Islam's “Endless Party”, an acrylic piece with eloquent lines and subdued colours. Free space is a noticeable aspect of his works. Tranquility and lucidity are unique characteristics of his paintings and printmaking [particularly etching and aquatint).

Also on display are works of artists Abu Taher, Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Abdus Shakoor Shah, Syed Abdullah Khalid, Shahid Kabir, Shahabuddin Ahmed, Ranjit Das, Mohammad Eunus, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Mohammad Fokhrul Islam, Mohammad Iqbal and Anisuzzaman.

At the exhibition, Abdus Shakoor Shah's painting shows human figures along with birds and animals — in the unique folk style the artist has popularised.

Ranjit Das' figures display a range of emotions. The artist often concentrates on a particular limb or fraction of a human figure.

When one closely observes Mohammad Eunus' painting at the exhibition, the artist's affinity for rich texture, subdued colours and unusual forms become apparent. He likes to play with various aspects of nature, forms and structures.

Mohammad Fokhrul Islam's monochromic images present a dreamy vision. At the exhibition, his work on display has been done on paper with printing ink. The artist uses ink and mustard oil to create his inscrutable cosmic subjects and metaphysical landscapes.

Mohammad Iqbal's canvases are crowded with visible and shadowy figures. The background of most of his paintings features abstract forms, delicate lines, easy to the eye colour and soft tones. At the exhibition, his work “Unfettered Life-4” shows a Baul in his traditional attire. One part of the painting is ornate with numerous red dots and vague shapes.

In Anisuzzaman's images, urban design and architecture get the focus. His works are complete with vertical, horizontal and diagonal

Tajuddin Ahmed's acrylic painting focuses on changing urban life and the socioeconomic structure. Geometric structures and architectural views give a new perspective to Iftikhar Uddin Ahmed's work.

Maksuda Iqbal Nipa's ‘Adam and Eve-1” addresses the relationship between men and women. Samiran Chowdhury's paintings (acrylic on canvas), engage the viewer with great emotional force, inspiring contemplation.

At the exhibition, a number of painters' intellectually driven works are also set to get a new look with the exposition. The painters include Mahmudul Haque, Biren Shome, Farida Zaman, Jamal Ahmed, Moniruzzaman, Moklesur Rahman, Syed Hassan Mahmud, Selina Chowdhury Mili, Anukul Chandra Majumdar, Nagarbashi Barman and Rezwanur Rahman.

The exhibition will continue till April 30.