‘Light from the Inner Soul’ exhibition celebrates women’s unheard artistic voices in Cumilla

A three-day art exhibition titled “Light from the Inner Soul” is currently underway at the lobby of Cumilla Shilpakala Auditorium, showcasing the creative expressions and inner visions of women through paintings and handcrafted artworks.

The exhibition, running from May 14 to 16, features works by eight women from different age groups and professions, none of whom have formal institutional training or professional backgrounds in art. Despite that, their creations have already earned admiration within their families and social circles.

Organiser Jannatul Ferdous Twonni said the exhibition was arranged to highlight the hidden artistic talents of women and give proper recognition to their creative work.

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Photo: STAR

“While moving through different social and family environments, I came across many beautiful artworks created by women. That inspired me to organise this exhibition so their talents could be recognised and appreciated,” she said.

The exhibition includes a wide variety of artworks, ranging from the calligraphy of a 16-year-old participant to paintings created by a 90-year-old woman. The displayed works include metal art and showpieces made from discarded metal objects, wax art, colourful paintings on glass, canvas paintings, calligraphy, and artworks inspired by artificial intelligence.

Artist Sharmin Ahmed Chaiti said she once studied drawing at Cumilla Shilpakala Academy but later continued painting independently out of passion.

“Over time, my interest in canvas painting expanded into glass painting,” she said.

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Photo: STAR

Chaiti, who works professionally as a boutique entrepreneur, has been creating artworks on canvas and glass for nearly a decade. According to her, most of her works revolve around women and reflect her inner thoughts and emotions.

Another participant, Dina Rahman, said many emotions experienced by women in their everyday lives often remain unspoken, and art becomes a sincere medium to express those feelings.

Journalist Mahabub Alam Babu, who visited the exhibition, said he was deeply impressed by the artistic quality of the displayed works.

“The exhibition truly lives up to its title, ‘Light from the Inner Soul’,” he said.

Renowned artist Junaid Mustafa said women are contributing not only to family life but also to the aesthetic and cultural enrichment of society.

“Women are not just homemakers. Through their creativity, they are helping nurture beauty and artistic awareness within society,” he said.