Taskina Yeasmin (Dhaka Bureau)
The week-long solo painting exhibition titled ‘Muktir Shongrame Anubhob-er Boibhav’ (The Splendor of Feelings in the Struggle for Liberation) by Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam Sheikh (Chanchal), Dean of the Faculty of Fine Art at the University of Dhaka (DU) and a prominent ceramic artist and researcher, is drawing to a close. Concluding tonight (October 7) at the Zainul Gallery of the Faculty of Fine Art, this exceptional solo painting exhibition alongside his mastery in ceramics has generated widespread enthusiasm among art lovers and connoisseurs.
The exhibition was officially inaugurated on October 1 at noon in a grand ceremony held at the university’s Osman Jamal Auditorium by Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) of the University of Dhaka. Presided over by Professor Dr. Abdus Sattar, Honorary Professor of the Department of Oriental Art, the event commenced with the screening of a documentary on the artist’s life and works.
Speaking as the chief guest, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdus Salam said, ‘Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam Sheikh has been a multi-talented personality since his childhood. Alongside painting and ceramics, he has significant contributions to music and acting. His artworks are gracefully elevating the culture of the University of Dhaka as well as Bangladesh on the international stage.’ He assured full support from the university authority for such creative practices by talented artists.
In his presidential speech, Dr. Abdus Sattar remarked, ‘The creative works of our artists need to be showcased beyond the borders of the country so that the international arena can gain a deeper understanding of our artistic philosophy.’
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by DU Proctor Professor Mohammad Israfil Rotan, eminent artist Professor Mostafizul Haq, Central President of Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal Rakibul Islam, along with various faculty deans, provosts, teachers, students, researchers, and distinguished invited guests.
A total of 53 paintings created in acrylic on canvas have been featured in the exhibition. The artworks vividly capture the struggle for liberation, human emotions, nature, and various aspects of contemporary reality through the artist’s unique artistic language. All the exhibited artworks are also open for sale.
Evaluating the artist’s work, the exhibition coordinator and Department of Fine Art teacher Reza Asad Al Huda Anupam said, ‘Although he is primarily a ceramic artist and researcher, his paintings are much like poetry. The use of colors and composition on canvas are profoundly lyrical.’
Expressing his artistic philosophy, artist Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam Sheikh stated, ‘Muktir Shongrame Anubhob-er Boibhav’ is not a direct portrayal of any specific event or political narrative to me. Here, liberation does not mean only political or social freedom; intertwined with it is the deep and eternal aspiration for human dignity, fundamental rights, justice, independence, and the self-liberation of the inner soul.’
Taskina Yeasmin: Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.