‘Burnt Expressions’ opens doors to fantasy at Safiuddin Shilpalay

Artist Suporna Alice Gomes inaugurated her first solo art exhibition, “Burnt Expressions: The Realms of Fantasy,” on April 11 at Safiuddin Shilpalay in Dhanmondi, marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey.

The exhibition opened at 6:30pm in the presence of guests, art patrons, and well-wishers, offering visitors an immersive entry into a world shaped by imagination, emotion, and visual expression. As the title suggests, the exhibition explores fantasy not merely as escapism, but as a safe space where feeling, memory, and interpretation blend on canvas. As a psychology graduate, Suporna delves into the inner world of human beings, which was the goal of the exhibition — to relate to the audience.

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Photo: Naveen Islam Toree

When The Daily Star asked why the title included the word “burnt”, Suporna said, “I wanted to only use burn sienna for the painting. Whether it was coffee, acrylic color or watercolor, my goal was to keep the color the same.”

She further added that it took her a long time to fulfil the collection. Some of the paintings were done in 2017.

The inauguration was led by Matiur Rahman, editor and publisher of The Daily Prothom Alo. The event was also graced by artists Shahid Kabir, G M Khaliur Rahman, and Mintu Dey as special guests, adding further significance to the opening.

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Photo: Naveen Islam Toree

For Suporna Alice Gomes, the exhibition signals the arrival of a distinct creative voice. A first solo exhibition often serves as a deeply personal artistic statement, and “Burnt Expressions: The Realms of Fantasy” appears to embrace that role fully, inviting viewers into the artist’s inner world of pain, intensity, and reflection.

Set against the cultural backdrop of Safiuddin Shilpalay, the exhibition creates space for audiences to engage with art that leans into nostalgia and psychological depth. The title itself carries a sense of contrast: “burnt” evokes depth, ache, and transformation, while “fantasy” opens the door to the surreal, the poetic, and the unseen.

The exhibition will continue until Tuesday, April 14, and will remain open to visitors daily from 11am to 8pm at House 21/A, Road 4, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

With this exhibition, Suporna Alice Gomes offers viewers a chance to feel their own pain and feel safe in doing so.