Takir Hossain
Artist Samiran Chowdhury was born and raised on the bank of the Shitalakkhya River in Narayanganj. It is very natural that as a painter Chowdhury is greatly influenced by his surrounding ambiance. During that time, his mode of expression was purely realistic and the painter went into the details of his subjects. The quiet and serene location tremendously influenced him and he painted tranquil nature, the splendour of the river and the simple people who were really detached from the urban life.
At a point of his artistic career, Samiran has produced many paintings, where he has primarily depicted realistic images. He did figurative work -- painting men and women, animals, kites, rickshaws, boats, ships, pigeons and sunflowers. During that period, he had a great penchant for portraying the female form against diverse backgrounds.
In recent years, Samiran feels comfortable in adopting the style of pure abstraction. He is now recognised as a pure abstract painter and prefers to highlight in pleasant splendour the themes of the spiritual world and emotions. The artist feels that abstract art, a different way of looking at the world, enables him and the viewer to establish a connection. He has a penchant for highlighting nature, human relationships, depression, isolation, ecstasy, nightmares, physiological journeys, the divine world and emotions. He allows all these ingredients to frequent his canvases in various symbolic configurations. His distinctive lines, tones, smooth textures and varying mild and bright colours are hallmarks of his works and have evolved in a pure abstract style.
Samiran's latest compositions are marked by delicate brush strokes, bright colours, and effects of light and shade. His abstractions are composition and form-oriented. Some of his paintings also denote his fascination with minimal geometric compositions. The compositions are complicated at all; textural intensity and harmony of colours are prevalent in his works. Through his paintings, Samiran seeks to convey the message that he is becoming more innovative, using his space to increasingly interact with his colours and forms. The colours frequently used are pale yellow, azure, crimson, black, white and emerald green - representing torrential shades and alluring shapes. Adjoining columns, wrecked and abandoned walls, subtle images, soft and glowing colours also create a panoramic impact in his recent paintings. His canvases demonstrate his outstanding grasp of the aesthetic thinking process and reveal a true love for the world.
Samiran has also a passion for meticulously portraying urban and semi-urban ambiance with vibrant shades. He portrays Rickshaw, Thelagari (push-cart) with semi-abstract style in rural and urban setting. The artist feels both transports are very much connected to the inhabitants of all societies in the country. Some of his works plunge deep into architectural view, crimson sun and flying bird in tranquil setting, quiet street in semi-urban areas and more. First, he visited the spots and then he portrayed the surroundings. As a result, he feels the essence of the atmosphere and immerses himself in the ambiance. From the outset of his career, the painter has been a workaholic and has been experimenting with different mediums for exploring their effects. His charcoals are superb in terms of meticulous techniques and in creating the effects of silkiness or softness. His sketches are powerful in their gallant and economic use of lines. Some of his charcoal sketches are very lively and thought provoking. His works have an authentic ring and capably demonstrate his keen immersion in the inner world.
Samiran Chowdhury, a workaholic, keeps creating the offbeat with phenomenal improvisation and panache. His paintings are aesthetically rich, powerful and contemplative. The paintings are an excellent demonstration of his artistic aptitude and his personal philosophy.