Kibria Exhibition at Bengal Gallery
To pay homage to the great artist Mohammad Kibria, Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts has organised a 15-day long special exhibition, titled “Tribute to Mohammad Kibria”. The exhibition is now on at Bengal Gallery in Dhanmondi. The exhibition comprises Kibria’s artworks from the collections of Matiur Rahman, editor of the Prothom Alo and Abul Khair Litu, chairman of Bengal Foundation.
Kibria, a significant name in enriching modernism in Bangladeshi Art, passed away on June 7.
Kibria is considered an iconic figure in contemporary art, as he introduced modern paintings where compositions, colours and forms are major features. He meticulously blended the essential elements of paintings. His paintings can be explained in many ways where one can find the touch of mysticism; some can get the taste of harmony, melancholy or despair. His mode of expression (in paintings) had been changed a number of times, but the painter successfully established his personal trademark through all his creations. His style is unquestionably unique, individualised and expressive. In his paintings, one feels the lament of a lonely soul, an underlying sorrow or a feeling of bareness.
Kibria was born in Birbhum in 1929 and he graduated from the Government School of Art, Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1950. Kibria started out as a figurative artist in the 1950s.
Kibria moved to Dacca (now Dhaka) in 1951 where he started his career as an art teacher at the Nawabpur High School. In 1954, he joined as a teacher at the Government College of Arts and Crafts (currently the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka). He studied painting and printmaking at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. During his stay in Japan, he was learning the details of two major genre of printmaking — lithograph and wood cut. He also concentrated on the use of space and its varied aspects. The artist meticulously created space that denoted solitude and serenity. His colours seem more subdued and lucid. In the course of time, his works matured further in terms of the inner structure of forms and objects.
Kibria was known for his compositions and he worked in several mediums, applying different techniques. His printmaking was very delicate, prolonged and technique based. Emotions, yearnings, contemplation and liberty were aptly addressed through his etchings and lithographs. He used minimization in his printmaking. Due to the influence of his Japanese guru Hideo Hagiwara (in printmaking), Kibria’s etchings and lithographs reflect elements of Japanese subtlety and technique.
Some of his etchings at the exhibition denote a big flat space with some dotted minute forms. Kibria had simplified and enhanced the abstract image that constructs a visual reference to his reminiscences, imaginings and thoughts.
His paintings’ colours, forms, textures and overall composition truly articulate his visions where quietude, simplicity and subtlety blended collectively. A number of oil paintings (‘untitled’) create an impression of being absolutely alone. Some of his oil paintings are relatively more appealing for their smooth and soft compositions. Blue, black, ash, grey, orange and brown have been primarily used in his works.
Dynamically active till the end of his life, the artist’s preference for colours, compositions and textural patterns had a significant impact on the Dhaka art scene. A number of painters have been greatly influenced by Kibria, which could be regarded as “Kibria Schooling”.
For his life-long attachment to art, the legendary painter-printmaker received Ekushey Padak, Shadhinota Padak and many other prestigious awards. After his retirement in 1997, Dhaka University selected him as a professor emeritus in 2008.
The exhibition ends on August 5.
-With The Daily Star input
