Zainul: The pioneer of Bangladesh's modern art movement
A total of 574 selected artworks of the Shilpacharya are being displayed at the three venues in this month-long arrangement, which also includes several other exhibitions and cultural functions. Jahanara Abedin and Abul Khair have provided 102 and 180 of these artworks each while the National Museum has supplied 277 paintings of the Shilpacharya. 15 others have been taken from individual collections.
The inauguration ceremony started with the rendition of two Tagore songs--Aj shobar rongey rong meshatey hobey and Ore chitralekha--performed by the artistes of Anandadhwoni.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Born on December 29, 1914, Zainul Abedin drew a series of sketches on the famine of 1943. The haunting images of cruelty and depravity of that artificial famine brought Zainul widespread recognition. After 1947, Zainul came to Dhaka and played a pioneering role in the modern art movement in Bangladesh. He was one of the major role-players in establishing the Institute of Fine Arts in Dhaka. He also founded the Folk Art and Crafts Foundation in Sonargaon.
Speakers at the opening ceremony emphasised on the importance of Zainul Abedin's contribution to Bangladesh's reputation in the world of art. Mahmudul Haque asked the authority to hold exhibitions of Bangladeshi artists at the offices of Bangladesh High Commission abroad. Abul Khair said that a documentary film is being made by the Bengal Foundation on the life and work of Zainul Abedin. Jahanara Abedin urged the collectors of Zainul's paintings to preserve the invaluable artworks scientifically.
The exhibitions will run till January 07.