Eminent Bangladeshi artist and creator of the iconic "Tokai"character, Professor Rafiqun Nabi, was denied access to the stage at an art exhibition at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. The event, held yesterday, was meant to celebrate and showcase the talents of emerging artists from the university's Department of Drawing and Painting. However, what unfolded left many questioning the university’s priorities.

Rafiqun Nabi, renowned for his cartoon Tokai, reflects on his artistic journey, influenced by family and mentors like Zainul Abedin. His legacy blends societal commentary, creativity, and practicality, inspiring future artists to observe deeply and innovate.

As an admirer of art, the excitement was palatable as I could see legendary artists like Rafiqun Nabi and Monirul Islam gracing the premises – it was an exclusive first look of the event, arranged by Dhaka Storytellers.

Most of the artworks currently adorning the walls of Gallery Chitrak were created between 2016 and 2024. The exhibition features 70 pieces, including acrylic, oil, and watercolour paintings, etchings, drawings, charcoal works, and some of his iconic graphic designs for BTV. 

The month-long exhibition commemorates the great artist Rafiqun Nabi’s 80th birthday (November 28), arranged jointly by Gallery Chitrak, Rafiqun Nabi’s 80th birthday celebratory committee 2023 -- at the Bangladesh National Museum and Gallery Chitrak simultaneously.

The four-day event, held at the Edge Gallery on Gulshan North Avenue, features a collection of paintings and sculptures by 26 of the country’s leading veterans and emerging artists from Bangladesh’s art industry. Rumana Chowdhury, the editor and publisher of MW Bangladesh, is the curator of the event.