Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin and Patua Quamrul Hassan recalled

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organised a discussion and cultural programme titled ‘Smriti Swatta Bhabisshat’, in commemoration of the esteemed Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin and Patua Quamrul Hassan on May 30 at the National Art Gallery of BSA.

Chaired by the Director General of BSA Liaquat Ali Lucky, art critic Mustafa Zaman Mithu read an essay on the artwork and career of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin.

Architect Moinul Abedin, son of Shailpacharya Zainul Abedin, the daughter of Quamrul Hassan, Shumona Hasan, and the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Hasna Jahan Khanam were present as guests of honour at the event.

Renowned artist and art critic, Mustafa Zaman Mithu said, “Zainul mastered realism in his way. During his rise to recognition, practically presenting truth became popular. He introduced a new style that nurtured a mindset of protest.”

In the second phase, Mofidul Hoque read an essay on the art and career of Potua Quamrul Hassan. Eminent artist Hashem Khan delivered the main speech.

Salahuddin Ahmed, the secretary of Bangladesh Art Academy, presented the welcome speech at the beginning of the second phase.

Daughter of Quamrul, Shumona Hasan said, “Despite the sacrifices my father made for the betterment of the country and society, little has been done to pass on his legacy and the remarkable contributions he made during his lifetime to future generations.”

She mentioned that Potua Quamrul Hassan had written and sketched extensively about the political reality of his time, which remains largely unknown to many even today, with no preservation efforts being undertaken.

Liaquat Ali Lucky said, “We have amassed a collection of 4,000 paintings in our art gallery, a significant increase from the initial 538 paintings. As we approach our 50th anniversary, we aspire to collaborate with fellow artists to publish their works and bring them to a wider audience.”

“When we examine the annals of Asian history, we often fail to discover these virtuous individuals. Therefore, we aim to produce a publication that celebrates the talented people of the Asian region, encompassing both esteemed figures and our artists.”

He elaborated, “I am prepared to publish these works in English and distribute them across various corners of the globe. If required, I am willing to collaborate with internationally renowned publishers to achieve this goal.”