Artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma has recently been honored with the prestigious Ekushey Padak for her remarkable contributions to art.
To commemorate this achievement, Gallery Cosmos hosted an exhibition showcasing some of her exceptional works, offering an inspiring journey into the vibrant tapestry of her artistic world.
During this occasion, UNB had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with Kanak Chanpa Chakma, providing insight into her life, her passion for art, and her profound influence on indigenous cultures.
UNB: You have received numerous awards at home and abroad throughout your career. This time, it’s Ekushey Padak. How does this feel?
Kanak Chanpa Chakma: It's indeed a momentous occasion for me. The Ekushey Padak is a tremendous honor, and it comes with added responsibilities and expectations.
UNB: You were inspired by your mother's designs on clothes. Was there any particular reason for choosing painting instead of weaving? ( Her artistic roots trace back to her childhood, where her mother's vibrant designs on clothes and the art of dyeing cotton fabrics served as a wellspring of inspiration.)
Kanak Chanpa Chakma: My choice to work with painting was influenced by my early experiences of seeing my mother expertly using natural dyes sourced from turmeric, catechu, tree bark, and leaves. These were all around me. Those colors, the love, and the inspiration, maybe these early experiences played a significant role in shaping my artistic direction.
My journey into art began from drawing on the walls of my home to my homework books. As I advanced through school, my passion for art led me to realize that art was my place where dreams could be transformed into reality. Then I informed my parents that I aspired to be an artist, and there started my journey into the world of painting.
UNB: What inspired you to choose your own culture as the subject of your art?
Kanak Chanpa Chakma: Those who visit the mountains see them, the rivers, and the water in a different light. However, beneath the undeniable breathtaking beauty, there exists a profound undercurrent of suffering in our lives. I strongly believed that these concealed aspects needed to be brought to the forefront.
Simultaneously, advocating for women's rights became one of my key objectives. In many tribal communities, women bear the brunt of labor without a significant say in decision-making processes. I felt it was essential to provide them with a platform for their unspoken voices to be heard, and I chose the medium of portraiture to convey their stories. This is why women take center stage in my paintings, not merely for their beauty, but to emphasize the struggles, hardships, and the marginalized state they endure in society and the nation at large.