A memorial programme was organised at TSC of University of Dhaka on June 9 to pay tribute to sculptor and painter Syed Abdullah Khalid. Bangladesh Charushilpy Sangsad organised the event, where cultural personalities and leading artists of the country paid tribute to late Syed Abdullah Khalid, who passed away on May 20. Noted sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan, poet-architect Rabiul Hussain, president of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote Golam Kuddus, noted politician Mujahidul Islam Selim, brother of Abdlullah Khalid Dr Capt (Retd) Syed Ahmed Mortada, widow of Khalid Kulsum Khalid, president Bangladesh Charushilpy Sangsad Abdul Mannan and its general secretary Mohammad Muniruzzaman, among others, were present at the programme.
Hamiduzzaman Khan while noting Abdullah Khalid's dual role as a painter and sculptor commented on his dedicated working style. According to him Abdullah Khalid devoted himself completely to his work.
Rabiul Hussain said Abdullah Khalid revolutionised sculpting in the country in such a way that he will surely be an idol for young artistes coming into this sector for years to come. Dr Capt (Retd) Syed Ahmed Mortada said, 'As a young boy Abdullah Khalid was always full of life. He used to spend his days swimming, climbing trees and so on. He loved nature very much.' Sculptor Mujibur Rahman, one of the closest ones to the late Khalid, spoke about the sculptor as a human being who was honest, straightforward and free-spirited. "His sincerity was also reflected on his works," Mujibur Rahman added.
Syed Abdullah Khalid is regarded as one of the most brilliant sculptors of our country. He is mainly recognised for his "Aparajeyo Bangla", one of the most familiar sculptures, and considered a landmark in Dhaka University campus.
A multi-talented artist, Khalid has not only excelled in sculpture but also made an impression with his paintings. Throughout the '80s and '90s and first decade of 21st century the artist had been active. Khalid is inclined to use a large canvas for depicting untamed nature, landscapes and still life (flower based). Losing himself in the natural world, the artist frequently takes themes from this affluent source and plays with shades and textures on canvas. He occasionally likes to experiment with diverse vague and plain forms, and enjoys breaking and constructing them in many ways. Blossoming and budding flowers as well as dense forests are recurring features in his paintings. In many of Khalid's works, one finds a great interchange between abstract and realistic forms.
Some of his notable works include "Ankur" at the factory premises of Squibb Pharmaceuticals, a mural called "Abahaman Bangla" inside the premises of the Bangladesh Television Center in Rampura, a monument for martyrs called "Angikar" in Chandpur, the Shahid Minar of Chittagong University and a terracotta relief mural called "Toiling Masses" in the conference room of the Daily Ittefaq. His other noteworthy sculptures are "Eternal Bengal", "Dolphin" and "Mother and Child".
The artist received many prestigious awards in his long chequered life. He received 'Shilpakala Award', 'Ekushey Padak' for his outstanding contributions to Bangladeshi art.
