ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center is hosting an exhibition highlighting the work of two Bangladesh artists. It's called "The Rahmans: Design with Natural Elements" by Professor Habibur Rahman and his spouse, digital designer Shamsad Rahman.
The married couple is based in Orangeburg and have lived there for 20 years. They are natives of Bangladesh where they studied architecture and visual design.
They've channeled what they've studied into their art, along with their personal life experiences. Rahman uses paintbrushes, colored pencils, and charcoal to draw freehand.
“Everything starts from drawing," said Rahman.
He says his art is inspired in part by things seen in nature.
“I thought why not experiment in color. Actually one of my good friends introduced me to color in Saudi Arabia," he said.
His wife Shamsad says it was during their time living in Saudi Arabia that opened her eyes to silk painting. This has become her trademark style.
“Silk painting in India. A long time back it was there. The process of doing the silk. I use the raw silk it’s from back home Bangladesh. The colors are totally separate different color for the silk material," she said.
Her paintings are vibrant and full of color. Rahman says he hopes others seeing their work will feel inspired to create their own art.
“Thinking like an artist can make you anything and you can become Van Gogh.”
The exhibit is viewable at the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center through July 31.