Shilpachariya remembered

Goon Tana: One of the notable works of Zainul

In the discussion programme titled "Zainul Abedin: The Pioneer of Fine Arts in Bangladesh", discussants focused on the contribution of Shilpacharaya to the development of fine arts in Bangladesh.

Acclaimed artist Rafiqun Nabi, known as Rnabi, said, "Zainul was not only a master painter but also revolutionised art in Bangladesh. Because of socio-cultural turmoil, it was not easy to become an artist in those days. Zainul generated appreciation for artists in our society. Moreover, he introduced fine arts academically in Bangladesh.

"If we view his most popular works, we find that he was not only a humanist, but also a wonderful craftsman of art. Had he been a European artist, he could have attained greater fame. Shilpakala should make greater efforts to uphold the works of Shilpacharya, besides arranging seminars and publishing books on him."

Artist Syed Lutful Haque said, "He was the painter of the masses. Emotion, pathos and the struggling lives of the commoners are expressed authentically in his canvas. His art is at par with the best works of legendary painters of the world."

Artist Nasim Ahmed Navid said, "Although his works have been preserved at the National Museum, Shilpacharaya deserves greater due."

In her speech, special guest Mrs. Jahanara Abedin, wife of Shilpacharya, said, " Some of Abedin's works are being pirated these days, which should be brought to attention. Otherwise, the future generation will be totally misguided and consider those substandard works as Zainul's."

The chief guest of the discussion programme, painter Abdur Razzaq said, "He was a painter, a teacher, an art critic and a visionary. I remember those days when we had no syllabus at Art College. The principal, Shilpacharaya Zainul Abedin and his colleagues gradually developed art as an academic subject in Bangladesh."

In his speech, president of the session, Ahmed Nazir, the director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), said, "Painting was not encouraged in the then Muslim society. To Zainul goes the credit of generating acceptance for painting in the conservative society. BSA will help in any activity related to Zainul."

ABM Salahuddin, the Director of Department of Fine Arts of BSA, was the host of the discussion programme.