Friday, January 12, 2007

Leading female artistes and their aspirations for '07


Rangamati, January 12, 2007: Speaking to some of the women artists, one comprehends their plan of work for the New Year, as well as their hopes for the holidays. They all aim at major joint and solo displays overseas and at home, and expect to get on with their home-making. Rokeya Sultana, Lalarukh Selim, who are both associate professors at the IFA, DU, and Kanakchanpa Chakma, who is a freelancer, speak out their thoughts for 2007. It is expected that the hopes and aspirations of their colleagues will tend to be similar, though perhaps not on that ambitious scale.
Rokeya Sultana-- who has had rave reviews for her solo at Bengal Foundation in '05, and whose paintings are sold at astronomic prices -- has decisive plans for the New Year. She hopes to complete works for her future exhibits in Pakistan and France in '07.
"Home-making for women artists is a priority and we must divide our time accordingly. I also hope to make it to the neighbouring holiday spots. This is what our family and friends do whenever we have the time and inclination. We go to nearby beautiful holiday spots like St. Martins and Cox's Bazar," Rokeya says.
Lalarukh Selim (Tori) said that she hopes to utilise the sabbatical that she has from December'06 for a year to do research on her project for the Asiatic Society. She is hoping to finish some new research of her own choosing. Finishing some details of the magazine on fine arts, which she edits, is another ongoing project in her mind. Again, she expects to do some drawing and painting for her sculpture.
"I hope to also make it to Kolkata, or Johannesburg, once my daughter Shebati's O Levels are over around mid '07. Towfiq, my husband -- who is also a sculptor --and the rest of the family of three will then have a restful time. This could be going to museums, book shops and places of historical interest," says Lalarukh.
Kanakchanpa Chakma, who toils from dawn to dusk at her home and studio at Dhanmondi, will continue with her work of bringing up her two young children and helping her husband KM Mithu (a well-known artist and photographer). "I hope to spend time at Rangamati with my family and elsewhere in Myanmar, Pakistan, and other places. I have to see to my career and that of Mithu's, as well as promote those of my children," says Kanak.
Clearly women have proved themselves through their ability to juggle home and work priorities. In the process they have been empowered and are role models for the less fortunate women.

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