Tapestry is a hand woven textile, which is used mainly as wall hanging. The late artist Rashid Chowdhury was the pioneer of this art form in this country. Chowdhury successfully introduced tapestry in various forms and shapes. His works are unparalleled in their subjects and unique quality.
Artist Tajul Islam started out by assisting Chowdhury when the latter returned from France. Tajul continued assisting his guru till 1979. At present, Tajul is one of the very few who work in this elegant, expensive and arduous medium. He has been working in this medium for over 40 years. Though the medium is quite costly and time consuming, he has been able to overcome these limitations with his considerable effort and devotion. Tapestry is not considered a “lucrative art”, but Tajul’s passion and perseverance help him to continue.
Tajul Islam’s seventh solo tapestry exhibition is now on at Gallery Cosmos, Malibagh in the city.
“I first make a layout; next a tracing enlarges that for the final pattern. When I concentrate on layout, varied organic, familiar and unfamiliar shapes (from nature) come to my mind. Lastly, I select the final one,” said the artist.
In a number of his tapestries he uses russet, azure with black and yellow. The artist is deeply inspired by growing vegetation, flowers, thick bushes and plants. Many of his tapestries reveal surrealistic imageries where forms and human figures merge. Geometrical shapes also appear in his works. He has created many waves where one can find the rhythms of melody. His tapestries are lavish with abstract images. But this abstraction does not hamper the viewers’ perception of the artist’s feelings and thoughts.
At the exhibition, Tajul has used vivacious colours in the centre of the tapestry and dark shades like black and ash-brown in the background to create a contrast. The artist has also chosen to use azure, white, black, crimson, green and brown for the background. Some of his works have a gray background and is in red, blue and black shades.
As a nature enthusiast, Tajul tries to present synchronisation of colours in his works with a great affection. He has used colours with flamboyant splendour to give a distinct message through his works.
Tajul has been inspired by his teacher Chowdhury, and has proven his uniqueness largely in terms of design (particularly meticulous tiny and large forms) and colour composition.
The exhibition will continue till August 5.
-With The Daily Star input
