Bitap Shavan Bachhar Painter

Bitap Shavan Bachhar, 29, is an award-winning young painter. From a very early age, he wanted to become a professional artist. Over the years, he has received a number of scholarships and awards. Through his paintings, he tries to depict people’s conflict between desire and destination. Y&I recently talked to him for an exclusive interview.

 

Sheikh Iraj  

How long have you been an artist and how did you get started?

I think I was about 15 years old at the time when I first started painting. In my school, art competitions were held on a regular basis and I used to participate. My parents also encouraged me. Then I studied in City College, there my teachers used to inspire me a lot. Soon I realised I have a deep passion for art. It was my dream to become a professional painter, which is why I took admission in the Faculty of Fine Art at Dhaka University. I am a huge fan of Lalon and his works also motivate me a lot.

What does art mean to you?

For me, art means freedom of expression. Art to me is what portrays human feelings. I believe our lives can be compared with art as well, and I try to portray that through my work.    

What medium do you like to work with?

I love to work with oil because it’s durable and you can work in detail with this medium. I also like watercolour, acrylic, and mixed media. I believe every painter should have experience of working with different mediums, but they should also have solid expertise in one particular medium.  

Please tell us about your routine

I like to work after midnight. During that time it is quiet and I can concentrate on work more. I listen to Lalon songs while I am painting.   
How do you come up with ideas/techniques for new paintings?

I do not look for ideas, rather they find me. I look at my surroundings and ideas automatically find me. When I travel I come across many ideas and I chose from those.    

Please tell us about your recently held first solo art exhibition.

I had to prepare for nearly five years for my first solo exhibition. The title of the exhibition was ‘Life We Desire, Life We Gain’ and it was held at the Alliance Francaise in Dhaka. In the show, 15 paintings were exhibited. Social depression and its effects were the themes of my paintings. We want many things, but do not always get what we want, that causes depression, I tried to portray that. I received positive feedback from everyone.

Please tell us about some of your biggest achievements.

In 2012, I won the Zainul Abedin Memorial Award for best student of the year. In 2015, I won the Best Memorial Award from Rashed Smriti Porshod. Again that same year, I won the 20th Berger Young Artist Award. Of course, I have won some awards, but I believe people’s appreciation for your work is the real achievement in one’s life.

What’s your take on the present art market of Bangladesh?

I believe we are heading in an upbeat direction, and it will be even better if art collectors and art dealers patronise young artists more.   

What’s next for you?

I just completed my first exhibition. I just want to work now and when I feel the time is right, I will do my second exhibition. I am a professional artist so I must continue my work, but at the same time, I want to give more preference to aesthetics.

Bitap Shavan Bachhar Painter

Bitap Shavan Bachhar, 29, is an award-winning young painter. From a very early age, he wanted to become a professional artist. Over the years, he has received a number of scholarships and awards. Through his paintings, he tries to depict peoples conflict between desire and destination. YI recently talked to him for an exclusive interview. Sheikh Iraj How long have you been an artist and how did you get started? I think I was about 15 years old at the time when I first started painting. In my school, art competitions were held on a regular basis and I used to participate. My parents also encouraged me. Then I studied in City College, there my teachers used to inspire me a lot. Soon I realised I have a deep passion for art. It was my dream to become a professional painter, which is why I took admission in the Faculty of Fine Art at Dhaka University. I am a huge fan of Lalon and his works also motivate me a lot. What does art mean to you? For me, art means freedom of expression. Art to me is what portrays human feelings. I believe our lives can be compared with art as well, and I try to portray that through my work. What medium do you like to work with? I love to work with oil because its durable and you can work in detail with this medium. I also like watercolour, acrylic, and mixed media. I believe every painter should have experience of working with different mediums, but they should also have solid expertise in one particular medium. Please tell us about your routine I like to work after midnight. During that time it is quiet and I can concentrate on work more. I listen to Lalon songs while I am painting. How do you come up with ideas/techniques for new paintings? I do not look for ideas, rather they find me. I look at my surroundings and ideas automatically find me. When I travel I come across many ideas and I chose from those. Please tell us about your recently held first solo art exhibition. I had to prepare for nearly five years for my first solo exhibition. The title of the exhibition was Life We Desire, Life We Gain and it was held at the Alliance Francaise in Dhaka. In the show, 15 paintings were exhibited. Social depression and its effects were the themes of my paintings. We want many things, but do not always get what we want, that causes depression, I tried to portray that. I received positive feedback from everyone. Please tell us about some of your biggest achievements. In 2012, I won the Zainul Abedin Memorial Award for best student of the year. In 2015, I won the Best Memorial Award from Rashed Smriti Porshod. Again that same year, I won the 20th Berger Young Artist Award. Of course, I have won some awards, but I believe peoples appreciation for your work is the real achievement in ones life. Whats your take on the present art market of Bangladesh? I believe we are heading in an upbeat direction, and it will be even better if art collectors and art dealers patronise young artists more. Whats next for you? I just completed my first exhibition. I just want to work now and when I feel the time is right, I will do my second exhibition. I am a professional artist so I must continue my work, but at the same time, I want to give more preference to aesthetics.