Offering an immersive experience with an invitation to step into a world where art and nature merge, where imagination runs free, and where every brushstroke breathes life, Singapore-based Bangladeshi artist Jamil Khan’s solo exhibition titled ‘Imagination’ was inaugurated on February 13 at the Garden Gallery Cosmos in Dhaka’s Baridhara.

Organized by Gallery Cosmos, the two-day exhibition is the third solo of the artist and the second with the gallery. His previous exhibition, ‘Inspiration’, was organized by Gallery Cosmos in November 2023.

Showcasing around 30 artworks—created in Singapore and Dhaka using sketching on pencil, acrylic, and oil paint—Jamil’s artistic journey from ‘Inspiration’ to ‘Imagination’ has been one of resilience, of finding light in the shadows, and of translating nature’s rhythm into strokes of color and form.

The inauguration ceremony of the exhibition on Thursday was joined by distinguished guests alongside family, friends and admirers of the artist, who was born into a family known for upholding and providing patronage to the country’s diverse arts and talented artists.

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Cosmos Foundation Chairman, Cosmos Group and Gallery Cosmos Founder and UNB Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan; Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet; Vice President of the Cosmos Group, Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos and Executive Editor of UNB Nahar Khan, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh and Cosmos Group Deputy Managing Director Masud Khan and other distinguished guests were present at the inauguration.

Former Adviser on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh caretaker government and Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury; Korean EPZ Corporation Bangladesh Limited President Jahangir Sadat; former diplomat and President of the Bay of Bengal Institute Ambassador Tariq Karim, prominent artist Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, family members of the late eminent artist Kalidas Karmakar and others were also present at the event.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Enayetullah Khan said, "It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this fantastic exhibition of Jamil on this lovely afternoon on Spring’s eve. From his kindergarten days, I sensed that he was very creative and full of enthusiasm. He created the majority of these pieces while living in Singapore, and he worked at the Gallery Cosmos studio after returning to Bangladesh.”

"The artist and all those connected to Gallery Cosmos are entitled to my heartfelt appreciation, especially Jamil’s sister Nahar Khan, Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, and, above all, Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet, for fulfilling her roles as both an art promoter and a mother. I will always remember this evening as one of the most amazing evenings of my life," Enayetullah Khan remarked.

“From childhood, Jamil always had a passion for art, painting, drama, photography and travelling. After his successful first solo exhibition with Gallery Cosmos, titled ‘Inspiration,’ it has been a profound pleasure for me as a mother to see Jamil’s second solo exhibition with the gallery, thoughtfully titled ‘Imagination,’ coming to light today,” Tehmina Enayet, Jamil’s mother and also the exhibition’s curator, said at the event.

“Being his mother, I saw early on that Jamil had a lot of creative aptitude and would become an artist. I want to congratulate the Gallery Cosmos staff for their diligent efforts on this exhibition, and I am really proud of Jamil for showcasing his artistic brilliance through his artworks,” Tehmina Enayet said.

Nahar Khan, the artist’s sister, said, “Jamil really inspired me since we were very, very young and continues to inspire me. It has been a tremendous experience and honor to have watched his growth and development over the years, and the way that he has transformed this energy into something so great is incredible. I can also see the energy shift where he is already thinking about his next show, as he wants to focus on photography; he wants to play with his other talents and skills. I wish him to keep nurturing that, keep continuing to be inspiring, keep learning, and keep pushing himself. We're always here for you Jamil, and we want you to know that we are all so proud of you.”

Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said, “Today, as you enter my house, one of the first things you’ll notice is a magnificent painting and that is Jamil’s work of art. They say in English that ’art is long, life is short’ but Jamil's art and his inspiration will last as long as many of our lives will, I'm sure. And with all respect, love, humility, Jamil, we dedicate this day and this evening to you, and all of you.”

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Artist Jamil Khan expressed his sincere appreciation to the visitors and Gallery Cosmos, saying, "Nature has always been my muse. The veins of a leaf, the way sunlight dances through the trees, the way colors change with the seasons—all of these things inspire me and give my artwork an earthy appeal. From my previous exhibition ‘Inspiration’ to the exhibition we are celebrating today—‘Imagination—-my artistic journey has been one of resilience, of finding light in the shadows, of translating nature’s rhythm into strokes of color and form. This exhibition was made possible by the significant efforts of my parents, Nahar, and all those associated with Gallery Cosmos, and I would like to express my gratitude for the attendance of our esteemed visitors and family members.”

The exhibition will continue today at the Garden Gallery Cosmos, house 23, Road 4, Baridhara, Dhaka from 3 to 8 pm.