Rasel Rana, a rising artist and graduate of the University of Dhaka, has brought Bengal’s iconic tepa dolls to life through his first solo art exhibition, ‘Matir Manush’, currently on display at Bhumi Gallery. The exhibition, organized by Shilpangan and Bhumi, was inaugurated on October 12. Special guests included artist and architect Mustapha Khalid Palash, artist Professor Rashid Amin, and renowned artist Mohammad Yunus, who officially opened the event.
Tepa dolls, known for their simple shapes and rich cultural history, are made from clay and are a traditional craft from Bengal, often linked to the annual Rath Yatra festival. However, they are created year-round and remain a cherished item in rural households. Rana’s exhibition breathes new life into these clay dolls by presenting them through paintings that capture the spirit of Bengal’s rural life.
His collection of 38 artworks, created using acrylic and mixed media, showcases not only the tepa dolls but also other elements of Bengali culture. Scenes of everyday rural life, women in sarees, and traditional crafts like ‘Nakshi Kantha’ are beautifully portrayed. Rana also honors the country’s history, incorporating references to the Liberation War of 1971.
The exhibition, titled ‘Matir Manush’, which translates to ‘people of the soil’, is a celebration of Bengal’s humble yet rich cultural heritage. With vibrant colors and expressive figures, Rana’s paintings remind viewers of the beauty and simplicity of life in rural Bengal. The exhibition will remain open to the public at Bhumi Gallery until October 22.
