Bengal’s artists reimagine the spirit of Buddha through art

The eternal message of Buddhist peace has blossomed in a new light at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka. The exhibition, titled "The Awakening to Sacred Peace: The Buddha of Bengal", showcases the wealth of ancient Bengali painting traditions through the works of prominent and emerging Bangladeshi artists. This third edition of the Buddhist-themed exhibition, organised by the Oriental Painting Study Group and Learning Design Studio, reinterprets the aesthetic sensitivity of Buddhist tradition and the spirit of Buddha in Bengal.

More than a hundred curated artworks by 73 artists reflect the emotional and spiritual resonance of the Bengali Buddhist heritage. The exhibition features multidimensional interpretations of Buddha's presence and philosophy through diverse media including oil paintings, watercolours, tempera, prints, ceramics, and sculpture—blending ancient imagery with contemporary expression. A special feature includes paintings inspired by Abanindranath Tagore's traditional wash technique, which many artists have echoed in acrylic and oil works that capture its clarity, softness, and aura.

Another fascinating medium is the use of alcohol-based ink on synthetic paper, which expatriate artist Mostaque Ahmed has explored. It offers a compelling alternative to the traditional watercolour wash technique. Their works seem to touch the heart with the gentle waves of the ancient Bodhisattva, where the clarity of watercolour and the meditativeness of line become one. In other words, the young artists of this country have absorbed the Oriental tradition and added new dimensions to it. Sometimes dreamy, and sometimes in solid lines, they have created the merciful presence of Buddha. New songs of the young following the ancient path—the young artists, each as if carrying new leaves under the Bodhi tree, have painted the wonderful consciousness of Buddha in their language.

The imitation of the Buddha's body-based sculptures by Arin Saha, Anushree Dey, Samia Sabiha Rini, and Avijit Kanti Das is created in an extraordinary style, a testament to the vitality of folk art. The delicate craftsmanship of embroidery is echoed in the various motifs of Bengali nakshi kantha art. The colourful exuberance of Monir Hossain's rickshaw painting, the lively drama of Hanif Pappu's cinema banner painting are depicted in the beauty of Buddha's compassion and humanity. For many, the lively colours and fluency of the folk artists have spread a kind of simple spirituality. Through the exuberance of colours, the vitality of lines and the pure expression, the teachings of Buddha seem to have merged with the soul of rural Bengal. 

The rhythm of pottery and sculpture, especially the terracotta sculpture of Mukty Bhowmick, brings out a melodious sound of the song of the earth.  Manabendra Ghosh's "Tired Buddha", made of clay, is a metaphorical narrative of time and contemplation. These works of art, created in a rare blend of ancient pottery styles and modern language, remind us that life is fleeting, yet there is eternal liberation in every touch. The sculptures made with intense emotion in clay silently express the depth of Bodhi. Here, outline and emotion come together to create an image of inner worship. 

The exhibition's strength, its diverse media, enhanced the experience of Buddha's serene detachment. Arpa Das Piu captures this through a gentle depiction of Buddha formed with Bengali calligraphy of his teachings. The woodblock workshop based on the life of Gautam Buddha has given a new dimension to the exhibition "The Reflection of Buddha and Diamond Sutra". The meditative form of Buddha has emerged in the works of the participating artists in this traditional woodblock workshop under the supervision of artist Rashid Amin and artist Saidul Haque Juise. 

Various oriental techniques and styles are flowing in the works of other artists of this country. Oriental artist Amit Nandi, inspired by the relief process during the workshop he helped organise, created aesthetic prints resembling oriental paintings. His works like "Buddha's Love for Life While Adoring a Deer", "The Farewell to His Beloved Horse", and "The Determined Solo Boat Journey" reflect deep sensitivity and patience. The soft texture and shadowy atmosphere of printmaking seem to invite the viewer to an introspection. On the other hand, another skilled artist of printmaking, Muslim Mia, has crystallised another form of illusion in the medium of wash by applying two-dimensional colours. 

It can be said that the luminous footsteps of young artists, that is, the combined breath of the young and the old, have created a spiritual series of paintings.  Art, culture, wisdom and love - all together have formed a beacon of light, from which an eternal message of peace, amity and compassion spreads. This is like another renaissance of Buddha in the heart of Bengal. In the hands of emerging artists, Buddha's philosophy has become a refuge of trust amid contemporary crises, an inexhaustible message of humanity. 

The eight-day exhibition included diverse events such as a session on "Gautam Buddha Geetikavya" by Manoranjan Bala, blending narration, recitation, and music. Highlights include an art talk on "Diamond Sutra Buddha's Image and Oriental Prints," a "Charyagaan er Ashor" by Bhavnagar Sadhu Sangha, and a cultural evening featuring Suborno Das Tanmoy on flute, Bappi Paul on tabla, and dance by Aritree Nandi and Prapti Ghosh. 

"The Awakening to Sacred Peace: The Buddha of Bengal", concluding today, is not just an art exhibition—it is a silent hymn to the merciful presence of Buddha in the consciousness of Bengal. The viewer can stand in front of each work of art and feel that the ultimate truth of liberation, amity, and compassion lies within life. This exhibition is an aesthetic and awakening document of Bengal's Buddhist heritage. It reminds us that Buddha, the symbol of peace, returns again and again not only in the language of the past, but also in the language of contemporary art — with the light of hope, tolerance and introspection. In the eternal thirst for peace, in the eternal line of compassion, the Buddha, the light, is once again awakened in the heart of Bengal.

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