Exploring new dimensions
Md Eunus, as he spoke about his work and modern art in general, explained at length as to how an art enthusiast could learn more about painting. "Just let him buy a book. Just as the gate is the entrance to a building so a book cover is the introduction to art, as most of the covers are now modern, introducing the viewer to impressionism, futurism, fauvism or whatever else comprises the emergence or a form of painting (that has emerged during the last three centuries and more). As he gathers more books and studies the ways the covers are made, a common art lover may gain quite a bag of information about post modernism," said Md Eunus.
How did he expect the gallery viewer to comprehend the complex aspects of modern art? Md Eunus' suggestion is that the viewer should take five minutes of his time to contemplate on the canvas or paper before him -- despite the pressure of urban existence in Dhaka. Surely, he said, there would be some title; the viewer has only to pause and think on the subject and the title. Often, he said, there are little footnotes, and the artist himself in the gallery.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The artist, Md Eunus said, will always be delighted to answer questions and will surely explain the details of his work at length. The manner in which he explained the viewer's entrance into the field of art -- just by seeing the book cover or visiting galleries -- should appeal to anyone.
Md Eunus spoke at length about how and why a painter should first paint for himself and then for others, and also how the same image could be different from different points of view. He explained that he paints for himself, and then hopes to motivate others to enjoy what he enjoys -- by creating something so interesting that the viewer is forced into stopping and thinking about the art piece before him. Md Eunus said that when and if two people should view the sunset, from the top of a hill, it left different impacts on different minds. So, he said, the viewer might differ in opinion from him about his work. He said that he has a right to have his own image of the sunset.
Md Eunus, like most teachers of the Art Institute, can speak ad lib about art. What is amazing about him is his depth of knowledge, his fine art works, his humility, plus his joviality.