The Shanto-Mariam Foundation has organised a solo painting exhibition of Bangladeshi expatriate artist Shahabuddin Ahmed at Creative Art Gallery of the Foundation, Uttara in the city. The exhibition was inaugurated on September 29. About twenty five drawings and seven paintings are on display at the exhibition.
Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla was present as chief guest and inaugurated the exhibition. Mainuddin Khaled and Md Imamul Kabir Shanto, founder chairman of Shanto-Mariam foundation were present on the occasion. The event was coordinated by renowned Tagore singer Lily Islam.
Shahabuddin Ahmed is one of the most recognised painters of our country who carved a niche in the '70s -- a time when a few artists started to experiment, and some painters were busy establishing a personal hallmark. Shahabuddin profoundly established himself as an ardent and devoted painter over the decades. His signature traits are vibrant figures and their poignant movements. The movements are quite dissimilar from those of his contemporaries. Each movement makes what amounts to a distinct look and language. The language is closely connected to the time of the country's turbulent birth and its significant aspects. His paintings encapsulate ecstasy, affections and torment. He wants to visually document a certain time, moments, and he has a great tendency to mingle an era with others. save
Shahabuddin is a figurative painter. His approach is semi-realistic. He prefers working on large canvases, according to the requirement of his larger than life themes and styles. Most of his themes are intimately connected with each other.
Shahabuddin's muscular figures clearly refer to a glorious chapter in the country's history. His figures' movements speak the lingo of our freedom fighters and their untold stories. His desires, emotions, hopes and aspirations are strongly allied with the masses of our country. He wants to focus especially on freedom fighters' strengths, their dreams and love for the country.
Shahabuddin roots for the life force and power in the abstract. His images are prominent, determined, and capture forceful motion -- almost in its rawness -- and at times are unmindful of directions.
Shahabuddin's canvas is not quiet or tranquil at all times, sometimes it emerges boldly and projects an audacious look. His works demonstrate contemporary life and times as well. His creations motivate us and stir our patriotic senses.
The artist uses space to gradually interact more with figures. His figures are always the most dominant aspect of his canvas.
The exhibition will continue till October 19.
