Emerging printmaker Abu Al Naeem is showcasing his first solo art exhibition titled ‘Carving the Self: Id | Ego | Superego’ at Safiuddin Shilpalay, offering an artistic journey into the human psyche through woodcut prints.
The exhibition opened on July 26, and is being held as part of the Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed Award 2024, which Naeem received for his outstanding work during his Master of Fine Arts (MFA). The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent professors from the Faculty of Fine Art at the University of Dhaka, along with artist and Shilpalay founder Ahmed Nazir.
A printmaking major, Naeem discovered his passion for woodcut during his MFA studies. The current exhibition explores Sigmund Freud’s theory of the psyche, expressed in three stages—Id, Ego, and Superego. According to Naeem, his creative process begins with the subconscious (id), moves through a stage of disciplined intuition (ego), and ends in the thoughtful decision-making of the superego.
More than 20 prints are on display, each carved from wooden blocks, painted, and pressed onto paper in multiple layers. The textures, colours, and forms reveal emotions, mental states, and symbolic imagery. Some prints are abstract, while others are semi-abstract or representational.
“I don’t create to resolve. I create to reveal,” Naeem shared. “My works invite reflection and dialogue—not only within myself, but also with the viewer.”
His pieces reflect both technical precision and deep introspection. With bold yet soothing colours, the prints capture the spirit’s journey—through hope, fatigue, or inner conflict. The exhibition will run until July 30, at Safiuddin Shilpalay, offering viewers a glimpse into the inner landscapes of a promising young artist.
