When it comes to human forms, Swapan does not paint the entire image but perhaps the nose or the lips, along with other images. Thus to the viewer, the items on the paper or canvas appears like new forms. He values forms and texture a great deal. He was not after photographic reality or similarity.

Asked about his guides at the Institute of Fine Arts Dhaka University, Swapan says that his teachers, Mohammed Kibria, Hashem Khan, Rafiqun Nabi and Abul Baset encouraged and egged him on. The works of the renowned modern artists of the West such as Modrian, Modigliani, Picasso and Klee also went into molding his vision and style, although not consciously. He was also influenced by Indian artist Somnath Hor. "It's impossible to say that I've reached this level without the impact of artists of world fame," Swapan says.

The present solo exhibit at the Bengal Gallery has 61 paintings on hand-made paper. He says that he loves working on paper "as it has a surface that one can play on; one may twist and turn it, fold it, burn or tear it and make something interesting for the viewer after having treated it in whatever manner desired."

Dwelling on choice of bright hues in the East, as a contrast to the prevailing penchant for subdued colours in the West, Swapan says the colours are the same and it is light reflected on it that gives it the startling vermilion, turquoise blue, jade green and snow white. "There is not much colour variation in what we see around us. The changes in colour are there in the mind and heart. It is light, which is vital to us. The sun will always be red while the sky will be blue through the ages. The selection of colour lies in the artists' mind. The well-known colours see a sea change in the presentations in the paintings." Since there are romantic elements in Swapan's works, he's kept his hues soothing and appealing.

Swapan also runs a school for painters called Nandan, at Dhanmondi. He has recently retired from government service and now paints with unsurpassed dedication.