Shahabuddin Ahmed is one of the few Bangladeshis who represent the pride of our nation to the whole world. The celebrated artist is considered among the masters of contemporary art in the international arena.
Having spent a long time in Paris, the freedom fighter has been relentlessly portraying the legacy of the Liberation War through bold strokes, vibrant colours and strong figurative expressions in his paintings.
The esteemed artist’s solo exhibition “Joddha” arranged by Gallery 21 is starting on Friday at 6pm. The exhibition will showcase his 30 new works. About the exhibition, Ahmed said: “The canvases are large in dimension. Apart from using white colour with different aspects and notions, I have used red and green, the colours of our national flag, in my recent works. The paintings feature human figures painted with a controlled use of brush and colours.”
In an intimate conversation with the Dhaka Tribune the artist talked about his thoughts, inspiration and recalled memories of bygone days.
How is the 1971 war still an influence in your art?
I am an emotional painter. The war is a source of pride and joy for me while I also consider it as memories of nightmare. But such a war doesn’t happen twice in a lifetime. There are not many who actively participated in the war and can share the pride. I am one of the luckiest soldiers who remained alive after independence. The legacy is always with me and in my paintings. It is always reflected.
What was your first break in your career?
After completing graduation at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University, I went to Paris. I had to adapt a lot of things culturally, physically, financially and more, as it was a completely new world to me. I had a long struggle before my career started. For month after month I worked mostly in a rented studio which was mostly available in the noon, which is why I could not have my lunch properly for a long time. That resulted in in an ulcer. Again I had to struggle to find a gallery which would accept my works to exhibit. Finally I got a prestigious gallery to showcase my paintings just for one day, and that caught people’s attention. It was the turning point of my career.
How do you define your style of work?
I don’t believe in too much accuracy in the use of brush stroke and colour. I don’t like too much freedom either. That is why I don’t do abstract paintings. My works have a motion which I have obtained with long-time experience and contemplation.
When you paint, do you have an image in mind or you go with the flow of the brush?
It’s fifty-fifty, I would rather say. Sometimes I have a very rough image in mind. When I start to paint, things get added naturally which change the preconceived mind. But I always keep in mind that each and everything has a goal and meaning in life. Like in football, it would be worthless if you only run; you have to keep hold of the ball too.
In this new era of technology and consumerism, how do you incorporate human emotion in your work?
I always work with the intention of creating art that will move or influence people with a universal appeal. I paint figures of people like Gandhi, Rabindranath and Bangabandhu who worked for humanity. Besides, I believe in spontaneity. My background helps me to uphold love and devotion, which always leaves a mark in my works.
It is said that a self portrait of an artist is like an autobiography. What is your notion behind creating self portraits?
Because I love myself. At this point I want to clarify, I don’t do portraits. I do paintings. Portraits are easy but it takes a lot to convert it into a painting.
Internationally, Bangladesh is being considered as a happening ground in fine art. How do you evaluate it?
I appreciate the international art platforms have been recognising Bangladeshi artists and its rich heritage in fine art. In this case I would say things should have happened a lot earlier than now.