The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

The role of the Faculty of Fine Arts in the history of fine arts in Bangladesh is great. This institution has created a heritage both in the struggle for democracy as well as the ceaseless effort to create good taste in the society. The Faculty stands for a symbol of the thirst for artistic accomplishment in urban life as well as the source of help and support to the marginalised population suffering from different calamities such as floods and droughts. The Faculty of Fine Arts is alive with the timeless traditional festivities and celebration of Bangladesh and is a pride of the University of Dhaka.

Recently a group exhibition of 16 teachers of different departments of the faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University titled "Teachers' Exposition 2008" was held at Zainul Gallery at the Institute of Fine Arts of Dhaka University.

The exposition was a result of the long tradition of the fine arts history in the institution. Tough the traditional master to follower teaching method may be obsolete elsewhere, it is never outdated in fine art education institutions. In the past, the teachers and students would organise joint exhibitions. Thus everyone could see the gradual development of the others. Students would see the works of teachers. There was a practice of sharing and exchange of items.

Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof SMA Faiz inaugurated the exhibition, as chief guest, while Prof AFM Yusuf Haider, Pro Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, among others, were also present on the occasion.

Prof SMA Faiz in his speech said, "Though the faculty of Fine Arts is new as a faculty, the institution is now 60 years old. This institution founded by Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin continues to nourish the world of art education in Bangladesh to this day. The students of this institution upon completion of their education have spread out to different parts of the country. Through this exhibition the established artists will present their current preoccupations to us and at the same time realise the long-cherished hopes of their students. As the students observe the media, materials and method of their respected teachers, they shall also find opportunities to translate the experience to use in their own works."

A total of 32 artworks of 16 teachers were on displayed at the show. The participant teachers were - Abu Abadin Md Kaoser Hassan Togor, Atiqul Islam and Mukul Kumar Barai of Department of Sculpture, Anisuzzaman Anis, Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman and Joya Shahrin Huq of Department of Printmaking, Debashis Pal and Azharul Islam Sheikh (Chanchal) of Department of Ceramics, Israfil Pk Ratan, Maksudur Rahman and Reza Asad Huda Anupam of Department of Graphic Design, Malay Bala and Mizanur Rahman Fakir of Department of Oriental Art, Manir Uddin Shake Juel, Masuda Khatun Jui and Sabrina Shahnaz (Mita) of Department of History of Art of the Institute of Fine Arts of Dhaka University.