The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

A retrospective featuring solo paintings of the late artist Abdur Razzaque titled 'Rhythms of Figures, Forms and Nature' bigan at the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts in the city on Friday.

Begum Jahanara Abedin, wife of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, inaugurated the 20-day long exhibition as chief guest.

Eminent artist Qayyum Chowdhury, freedom fighter Maj Gen (Retd) Amin Ahmed Chowdhury and Prof Nazrul Islam, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), were present as special guests on the occasion.

Luva Nahid Chowdhury, Director General of Bengal Foundation, Subir Chowdhury, Director of the gallery, Mustari Begum, wife of the artist, Asif Ahmed, son of the artist, among others, were present at the inaugural function.

Jahanara Abedin also launched a DVD of the documentary film on Abdur Razzaque titled 'Garaner Gahine' produced by the Bengal Foundation at the inauguration of the show.

A total of 179 works of the artist Abdur Razzaque are on display at the show. The exhibition remains open for all from 12:00 noon to 8:00pm everyday till October 29.

Artist Abdur Razzaque was born in Shariatpur in 1932. He was awarded the 'Ekushey Padak' in 1989 for his contribution to the field of fine arts. He died in 2005. He practiced his art with lifelong dedication. He showed mastery over all the pictorial mediums and also left a vivid impression of his talent in sculpture. This conscientious teacher and artist continued his artistic endeavours till the last moment of his life.

While reminiscing on the works of artist Abdur Razzaque, speakers said Razzaque was such an artist who did not want exposure. The sculpture at Joydebpur crossing was one of the early-stage works.

Prof Nazrul Islam said, "Artist Abdur Razzaque always liked water colour. Though water colour was favourite to him, he had also demonstrated excellence in oils, he added.

"Artist Razzaque became particularly fond of etching, dry-point, aquatint, mezzotint and engraving. Later he also applied his skills in lithographs and woodcut," he said.