The solemn colours of the monsoon come alive in ‘Rainscape’

In the heart of the Bangladeshi monsoon, the image of the entire country transforms into a landscape marked by both hardship and romance. In this delta, the monsoon is a double-edged sword—a blessing or a curse, depending on the intensity of the rain. Yet people living in cities, where flooding is often less destructive than in rural areas, have learned to adapt to the season. Even so, a gentle monsoon turns nature into a work of art, inspiring countless artists. “Rainscape” is an exhibition dedicated to that artistic expression.

Bhumi Gallery inaugurated “Rainscape”, a group exhibition, on July 10, 2026. Hosted by Bhumi CEO Saifur Rahman Lenin, the opening ceremony was attended by eminent artists Abdul Mannan and Ranjit Das as guests. The exhibition features watercolour paintings on the monsoon by 25 artists: Abdul Mannan, Jamal Ahmed, Ranjit Das, Rezaun Nabi, Robiul Islam, Damasush Hacha, Anisur Rahman, Prodyut Bhatta, Sumon Baidya, Al Akhir Sarker, Rashed Kamal Russell, Kamruzzoha, Ariful Islam, Monjur Rashid, W Rahman Sami, Suborno Chakraborty Tonmoy, Sampa Zoha, Rubel Khan, Helal Shah, Anamuz Zahid, Tamanna Liza, Karidul Islam, Jayanta Mondal, Fariaz Emran and Jolok Saha.

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“Rainscape” is not merely an exhibition about the monsoon; it is also a reflection of our livelihoods, lifestyles, artistic traditions and cultural practices, as well as our celebration of nature and agriculture. For centuries, the rainy season has inspired poets, artists and musicians, enriching our cultural heritage. And what better medium than watercolour for portraying the beauty of the monsoon?

According to Saifur Rahman Lenin, “The spontaneity and transparency of watercolours are perfect for depicting the softness of the wet breeze, the heaviness of the clouds, the rhythm of the rain, the vastness of rivers, and the ephemeral beauty of light and shadow.”

Bhumi Gallery is currently exhibiting 75 paintings by the 25 participating artists. Ranjit Das’s painting of purple lightning immediately caught my eye in the gallery’s first room, proving as electrifying as the natural phenomenon itself. Rezaun Nabi’s “Rain Kisses the Earth” offers a soothing visual experience. Several artists have portrayed beloved scenes of Dhaka, from tree-lined VIP neighbourhoods to densely populated residential areas and streets crowded with vehicles, particularly rickshaws.

Sampa Zoha depicts king storks delighting in the rain across an open field, while Jayanta Mondal portrays lambs drenched by the downpour. Tamanna Liza and Karidul Islam employ a distinctive dripping technique to capture the essence of rainfall. Beautiful kadam (burflower) blossoms—the crown jewel of the monsoon—appear in the works of Abdul Mannan and Anamuz Zahid. Other artists portray rural Bangladesh through rivers, boats, cattle, swamps, wetlands and the people who inhabit these landscapes. While some painters create dramatic contrasts between light and dark tones, others embrace softer, more refreshing palettes.

In short, “Rainscape” offers a breath of fresh air amid the hardship that heavy rainfall often brings to our villages and poorly planned urban areas. The exhibition will remain on view at Bhumi Gallery until July 22, 2026.