Abul Hashem: A face bearing a million expressions
Abul Hashem has the attributes required of an artist's model--commitment and patience. He has an unusual face and can always give the artists what they are looking for. A good model develops a special kind of bond with artists and Abul Hashem has developed such an intimacy with the students of Charukala. The closeness is so profound that he has metamorphosed from Abul Hashem to Chacha (Uncle). His real name is almost forgotten as everyone calls him Chacha. "I don't mind being called Chacha, rather I am delighted and feel a sense of closeness," says a smiling Hashem.
Talking about his debut in this profession, Hashem recalls, "I have been modelling for artists for 14-15 years. Lovely madam (artist Rokeya Sultana) was the first to give me a break in the institute and after that I didn't have to look back." He has modelled for Rokeya Sultana, Sheikh Jamal, Shishir and many other established artists as well as the aspiring ones.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "The abstract poetry of thought provoking elements or interesting handling of brush strokes are the elements that make for a vibrant painting," believes Hashem. "In each sitting I reach towards a relentless goal of infusing life and movement," he adds.
According to Hashem, the normal workday is from 10am to 2 pm, with a recess of five minutes every half an hour. " I love the sweetened tea during a break. Sometimes the students treat me with tea, biscuits and cigarettes. Respect this is what I love in this profession, otherwise the payment is very little. Per sitting it differs from Taka 100 to Taka 150," says Hashem. However, Hashem has a grouse: " Getting paid is often a lengthy and painful process since payments could be delayed from two to four months. Because of my ailment, I can hardly pose for students nowadays, which actually worsens my economical condition," he sighs.
Good aesthetic sense, believes Hashem, is a vital ingredient in this profession. That's why he questions, "How many glimpses of nature have you witnessed in your life?" And he gives the reply himself, " Those brief moments where time and space seem to literally dissolve, and you are left with a vision wholly yours, a view unique and beautiful, captured forever in your mind."
Getting nostalgic he goes back 40 years in time and reminisces, "This was the essence of what I tried to weave: saris, lungis and gamchhas in the village of Raipura, Narsinghdi. Then I sold them into the Baburhaat or other distant market places. I tried to convey in my work the immense power and grandeur of nature." However, the constant erosion of the river transformed this artiste into an artist's model.
Charukala Institute is now the only place where he feels at home. He sleeps in the yard of the institute and spends his time with the students. He wants nothing further from life. He has only a few ambitions. In his own words, "I want an art piece done by any artist for whom I modelled."