Solo exhibition, Reality of the conscious mind begins at AFD

An exhibit at the solo exhibition of artist Zakia Khan Chandana at La Galerie, AFD.

Dhaka, 3 July 2026 — Alliance Française de Dhaka successfully inaugurated "REALITY OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND," the third solo exhibition by Surrealist artist Zakia Khan Chandana, at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka. The opening ceremony was graced by eminent artist Monirul Islam and Professor Dr Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, who attended as special guests. 

The exhibition presents Zakia Khan Chandana's latest body of work, inviting viewers into a dreamlike and enigmatic world where consciousness and the subconscious converge to create a unique visual language. Her paintings bring together elements of nature, the human figure, fragmented landscapes, and symbolic imagery to evoke profound philosophical reflections.

Zakia Khan Chandana completed her Master's degree in Fine Arts at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. She received the Berger Young Artist Award in 1998 and the Departmental Award for Experimental Art in 2000. Her first solo exhibition was held at Zainul Gallery in 2002. In the same year, she was selected to participate in the Southwest Asian Youth Invitation Program, organized by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, providing her with an important international platform. She has also participated in numerous national and international exhibitions, Asian art exhibitions, workshops, and other art events.

Her recent works explore the timeless tension between destruction and creation, the ever-changing nature of the environment, and the resilience of life. Paintings such as "Roots Beyond Time," "Sunlit Geometry," "The Mirage of Gravity," "Silent Resurrection," "Veins of the Earth," "Architecture of the Subconscious," "The Journey Against Destruction," "The Whispers of Moss," and "Where Time Collapses" raise profound questions about human existence through symbolism and imagination.

Created in acrylic on canvas, her paintings feature a restrained palette of browns, ochres, oranges, off-whites, blacks, and blues, creating a distinctive atmosphere. By transforming familiar elements of reality into surreal visual experiences, the artist invites viewers into a contemplative and aesthetically engaging journey.

Art critic Zahid Mostafa notes that Zakia Khan Chandana's works offer a distinctive interpretation of nature, existence, and transformation through surreal imagination. He considers her return after a prolonged absence a significant contribution to Bangladesh's contemporary art landscape.

Reflecting on her artistic practice, Zakia Khan Chandana says:

"Nature serves as the central inspiration for my paintings, through which I explore themes of survival and transformation. The various forms and fragmented landscapes I create attempt to portray the tension between creation and destruction. My works function as visual metaphors for the Earth's constant evolution, encouraging viewers to reflect on change. Through the characteristic textures and brushstrokes of Surrealist art, I invite audiences to contemplate the cycles of life and renewal."

Exhibition open: Friday, 3 July 2026 || 6 pm

Dates: Friday, 3 July – Wednesday, 8 July 2026

Visiting hour: Daily 3 pm to 9 pm

La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka

26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka