AKM Alamgir Huque, a scholar-artist, was a familiar name in the Dhaka art scene of the late '80s. In that period he excelled both in painting and printmaking and established an individual hallmark through his semi-abstract and pure abstract works. He demonstrated some unique techniques in printmaking.

His current solo print exhibition, titled "Feeling Nature" — after a hiatus — is now on at Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, Dhaka.

Alamgir portrays nature and its mysteries through his personal observation and visions. It can be easily said that his prints (etchings and aquatints or waterless lithos) have recorded his ideas and memories. The abstraction in his works is not unpredictable. It comes naturally and he has adopted the language for his unique way of expression.

His stay in Saskatchewan, Canada triggered the artist's inclination towards nature. Air, water and soil -- all natural elements — in his view have no dissimilarity no matter where one goes. It can be said that he has not portrayed the nature of any particular region. He has tried to depict universal nature in his prints.

At the exhibition, many of his prints are composition and form based -- rectangular, vertical, horizontal, half-curved and full curved. The artist has brought

many symbols into his prints. Scattered shapes are noticeable in his prints. Space division in his compositions is dramatic; with big spaces kept flat while smaller areas have several tiny patterns. It is obvious that the artist has spent a considerable time to create the illusion of space.

Alamgir left the country for Canada in 1990. Prior to his departure, the artist's themes ranged from nature to the socio-economic and political structure of Bangladesh.

The exhibition ends on March 6.