Emerging Bangladeshi artist Lutfa Mahmuda is fast gaining recognition in both national and international art circles for her profound visual language that explores the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and subconscious states. A graduate in Graphic Art from the prestigious Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, Lutfa’s artistic journey is shaped by both formal education and an emotional commitment to self-expression. Lutfa’s stay at Santiniketan became a transformative phase, allowing her to grow as an artist and an individual. At Visva-Bharati, she immersed herself in the discipline of printmaking, with a particular love for etching. Her affinity for this medium stems from its ability to render sharp, vivid lines and its tactile, intricate process—something she describes as conceptually and stylistically resonant with her inner world.
Artists have the power to make people think from their own ground of emotions
She explains, hinting at the deeply psychological layers within her work.
Lutfa’s work revolves around emotional introspection, dreams, imagination, and social relationships. She does not merely depict the human figure but dives deep into its emotional fabric—capturing dual states like sorrow and joy through carefully rendered facial juxtapositions and fragmented symbolism. In pieces like Mirror Inside, she explores another person’s imaginative reflection, often engaging viewers in a poetic dialogue with subconscious imagery.
Her preferred medium remains etching, but she also experiments with lithography on aluminum sheets, drawn to the versatility and technical challenge it offers. “The diversity of printmaking held a magnetism for me,” she says. “I never considered any other elective for a moment.” Her artistic process involves preparing an initial layout with watercolor or acrylic, followed by the delicate process of transferring the drawing onto plates, proof-printing, and finally producing the finished print. Nowadays, she has been diving into the world of paintings and experimenting with translating emotions onto the canvas. Lutfa’s work is rooted in humanism, often focusing on interpersonal dynamics across different social strata. Whether it is in her submissions to the All India Women Contemporary Artists in Chandigarh or the 21st Young Artists Art Exhibition at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, her pieces speak of a world in flux—charged with psychological depth and social nuance.
At every glance of my own work, I feel I am attached to something much bigger than my own anticipated life as an artist,
she reflects. Her art is not simply representational but a process of self-discovery and emotional consolidation.
Often at the beginning of a work, I seek reflection off my own mind mirror… In the end, I consolidate or validate my search, with happiness and joy. In which lies the ultimate power of living
she says. This deeply spiritual connection to her work suggests that each piece is a personal testament, imbued with lived experience and internal monologue.
Her commitment to creative exploration remains unfaltering. A solo exhibition in May 2024 at the Academy of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan Republican Specialized Art School—organized by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Uzbekistan—featured more than 20 of her works, further establishing her presence on the global stage, and another solo exhibition at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Tashkent from the Foreign Ministry. Her international engagements also include residencies and group exhibitions in Indonesia, China, and Bangladesh, including appearances at SAYPA by Kibria Chapchitra Studio, the Sixth Silk Road International Art Festival in Xian, and the International Oriental Art Biennale.
Lutfa’s recent artwork “Dandelion Dreams” is the representation of our imagination in dreams; that everything and everyone has the potential to be anything or anyone. It acts as a reminder to never limit oneself or others based on appearance or expectation. The vibrant colors and whimsical shapes in his work evoke a sense of freedom and possibility, encouraging viewers to embrace creativity and explore the endless possibilities of their own dreams. The dandelion, a symbol of resilience and transformation, serves as a powerful metaphor for the boundless potential that lies within each of us. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we have the ability to grow and thrive. By embracing the spirit of the dandelion, we can cultivate a mindset of resilience and adaptability in pursuit of our goals. Just like the dandelion’s ability to flourish in unexpected places, we too can overcome obstacles and bloom in our own unique way. With determination and perseverance, we can achieve greatness.
Lutfa’s work is driven less by rigid concepts and more by a fluid exploration of human relationships and mental landscapes. She believes that art is not merely about representation but about embodying truth, vulnerability, and healing. “I can wipe away the tears from all the eyes that I come across, who are perhaps taking a similar journey as mine,” she says, with a sense of empathy that underpins her creative philosophy.
She also emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the broader art ecosystem—whether through attending exhibitions, studying the work of senior artists, or simply absorbing the artistic energy that exists beyond her studio walls. “Creativity isn’t a medium that can be forced,” she observes. In moments of creative block, she actively seeks out inspiration from others, believing that art thrives in dialogue rather than isolation. Lutfa’s admiration for senior artists reflects a deeper understanding of artistic legacy.
Even if an artist passes, they live on through their work, surpassing earthly and monetary bounds
she notes, acknowledging the transcendental nature of artistic contribution.
Lutfa’s practice is not about spectacle or surface beauty—it is a quiet, resolute unfolding of the self. With each etching, each print, each brushstroke, she navigates the inner labyrinth of thought and feeling, carving out a space that is uniquely hers. Her artistic voice is reflective, empathetic, and bold—delicately balancing tradition with contemporary discourse.
As she continues to move “from canvas to canvas,” in search of something deeper within herself, Lutfa represents a new generation of Bangladeshi artists—rooted in cultural heritage but unafraid to push boundaries. In her hands, art becomes not just a mode of expression, but a form of healing, remembrance, and resistance.
