Artworks by Atia Islam Anne

Violence against women is a scourge of our times. What can explain this phenomenon? The long subjugation of women and their relegation to the position of sex objects or reproductive and domestic machines in a male dominated society. Thankfully the tide is turning now thanks to socially concerned artists, writers and poets.
One such talented painter, Atia Islam Anne, has used her unmistakable artistic skills to delineate these and other social issues. Her telling works are on display at a solo exhibition, titled "Inauspicious Time," currently running at the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, Dhanmondi.
Anne's paintings articulate her personal observations, experiences, understanding and deep observations on the anomalies in our society -- particularly when it comes to what is now termed the second sex by feminists.
Anne's canvas focuses on women's regrets, needs, despair and frustration. Her works are crowded with protesting and tormented figures that demonstrate the common and unfortunate features of life. She deals with a variety of subjects in addition to women -- the BDR Mutiny, corruption, misplaced idealism and religious bigotry.
The artist's works are surrealistic and have a touch of fantasy. Raw colours, diagonal lines and distorted figures are the prime hallmark of her works. All of Anne's works are tinged with irony and humour. Large areas are painted over with vibrant greens, yellows, red and blue and have a kaleidoscopic appearance. In her works the subject prevails over the medium or technique. Acrylic is dominant in her works. Her images in colour convey the message of inner struggle and she skilfully uses the canvas as a powerful medium of expression.
The exhibition ends on June 23.