Japanese embassy hosts Firoz Mahmud’s art exhibition 

Firoz Mahmud’s art exhibition titled 'Multilayered Legacies' was inaugurated at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka on Saturday.

Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi inaugurated the exhibition, where 35 artworks are on display.

'Multilayered Legacies' is a series of mixed-media works that engage with the mythological, historical, socio-political past and cultural manifestations of the Bengal region and South Asia.

The artworks also narrate how colonial rulers invaded Bengal and ruled South Asia for centuries, said Mr Shinichi.

“Firoz layers line drawings, multiple colours, textures and techniques from his Bengal past.

He uses images and allegories of spiritual journeys, historic moments, emblematic motifs, Islamic design, linear drawing and mausoleums, local mythical culture and contemporary commentary in these works,” he said.

As visual idioms, the artist often depicts old mosques, forts, flora and fauna, owls, tigers and skeletons along with conquerors and horsemen, addressing the Islamic heritage of his native region, which is dominant in the works, the ambassador added.

In his speech, the artist said this project began 10 years ago and that he drew layouts from museum artefacts, manuscripts and documents from historical locations in Old Dhaka and West Bengal, especially Murshidabad.