Hashem Khan's exhibition
Earlier, when Hashem painted, he had brought in birds, boats, trees and river sides. He was influenced by his trips to the countryside and recalled the nostalgic days of his childhood, when he frequented his village. Hashem believes that he can find peace in remembering the innocent days in his youth in Shikdi, near Chandpur, when he played on the banks of the Meghna and Dakatia. The images of the fish and the kite have recurred in his paintings, recreating the carefree days of the past. Through his lines Hashem has tried to create an unusual rhythm through something fresh and less complicated than before.
His teachers were Zainul Abedin, Shafiuddin Ahmed, Quamrul Hassan and Anwarul Haq. "They not only taught me the academic skills and know-how but also made me aware of the social and economic world around me. I learnt to be progressive through them, and fought in the Liberation War. I grew to regard Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujib's speech of March 7 as memorable and painted it keeping its importance in mind. I have done many paintings on the Liberation War, which were exhibited at the National Museum," he said. Apart from the influence of the local teachers, Hashem has visited many European museums and admired the French Impressionists, Picasso and Dali.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Talking about the standard of our Bangladeshi artists, Hashem said that they work hard but at times tend to be impatient. He felt that they hankered after name and fame rather than an intrinsic high standard in their work. What the artists are doing now is not stepping much ahead from what the teachers taught some decades back, he believed. However, our standards-- whether it be sculpture, or painting or print-- do not lag behind the others, if one goes by international exhibitions such as the Asian Biennale and the prizes that some of our artists get from overseas.
Hashem is also well-known for his book illustrations and has headed many international seminars on this subject.