The 29th death anniversary of world-renowned artist SM Sultan will be observed in the country on Tuesday in a befitting manner.
In observance of the anniversary, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, SM Sultan Foundation and Narail district administration jointly have chalked out a daylong programme at Sultan Smriti Sangrahasala, Shishu Swarga and Zilla Shilpakala Academy.
The daylong programmes include paying tributes to the iconic artist through offering wreaths, Qurankhwani, milad mahfil, an art competition for children, prize distribution and discussion on Sultan's life and works.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) and SM Sultan Foundation President Muhammad Asfaqul Haque Chowdhury said all preparations have been made for a successful observance of the death anniversary of the legendary artist.
Sultan hit the headlines in the art world much before he was known as a painter to the people of his homeland. Leading a very simple life far away from the madding crowd at his village home, the selfless painter spent most of his life completely engrossed in paint and brush.
His very simple but highly philosophic art which reveled in nature and the people of Bangladesh has become the prime source of inspiration for the new generation of painters.
The legendary artist Sultan's artworks were shown in Simla of India in 1946, in Lahore and Karachi in 1948-49 and paintings were exhibited in New York, Boston, London and Michigan University in 1959, long before his exhibition at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
He joined the International Conference of Painters in America in 1950 as the representative of the then-Pakistan government.
SM Sultan won Ekushey Padak in 1982, Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Sangsad Award in 1986 and Swadhinata Padak in 1993.
He was entitled the "Man of Asia" in 1982 by Cambridge University and the Bangladesh government declared him "A resident of artist" in 1984.
Sultan was born to a poor family at Machimdia in Narail town on August 10 in 1924.
He died in Jashore Combined Military Hospital on October 10, 1994.
