In their ninth painting exhibition, DAC has presented 48 recent works. Among them Biren Shome's works are surely nonpareil. Biren says that his paintings this time are in black and white in order to reflect the uncertain moments for all and sundry in the recent past. However, they remain dramatic and classical. "I take my inspiration from nature, as I bring in the overhead clouds, the land below and in between are dots and swirls in between to reflect my feelings. The suggested human forms include mankind's eternal hopes and aspirations," he asserts. The background remains stark white. His next work, Nature-2 similarly includes the tree trunks and the overhead zenith and a scintillating silver crescent moon -- along with impressions of human forms.

Rezaul Karim's manifestations are also mind-blowing semi-abstractions, as seen in Song of birds. "I've merged nature with the subject of exotic birds of Bangladesh. I've tried to convey a poetic effect. Female forms are included. Almost like birds of paradise, although with more muted earthy colours, the perched and resting subjects are scattered all over the canvas in a subtle and sophisticated manner. A swirling, gliding shape of a woman is deftly included among the diffused shapes," he says.

The experimental work includes geometrical forms, which incase the subjects. The figures appear superimposed. White and earthy colours are touched with bright blue and vermilion. The result is undoubtedly idyllic. In the next painting the bird song notes ripple out in the textural effect.

Also romantic and bursting with joie de vivre is Smarjit Roy Chowdhury's oil. He has brought in the flora and fauna in buoyant hues with the effect of a resplendent nakshikanthar maath. Courting couples, flowers, leaves, kites, boats, fish, along with alpona effects are carefully merged in the painting. The sunlit fields at the back and the swirling waterways are brought in with geometrical lines. The work is replete with happiness and optimism.

Syed Enayet Hossain and Abu Taher's oil and mixed media are equally appealing and imposing. Enayet's work, like the man himself, is full of charm and buoyant memories of the past. Set in the countryside, the pen and ink sketch, along with the curls and sweeps of black, red and gold, present a tranquil and picturesque scene. Abu Taher's Images of Aggression bring in proud memories of the past with men sacrificing their peace and women subjugated as biranga.

Anwarul Haque's Passsion and Peace-2 (semi-abstract) contains a swirling shape of the woman with sweeping jet-black hair like a cascading waterfall. The crescent moon is balanced by fish, snakes and horse shapes. Land masses are included in sweeps at the back. Emerald, organge, ruby-red highlight the veritable idyll in paints.

The exhibit is indeed breathtaking and definitely well worth the visit--with time in hand.