The internationally acclaimed artist Shahabuddin Ahmed is known to depict the zeal and vigor of the Liberation War of
Bangladesh in his paintings.
Keeping the theme consistent, Shahabuddin Ahmed has created an exuberant freedom fighter holding a spreading national flag on his back in an oil painting titled Bijoy Ullas. Indicated by its title, the painting reflects on the sudden surge of ecstasy of the glorious victory experienced by the freedom fighters in the war of independence in 1971.
Bijoy Ullas, oil on canvas, is one of the 28 paintings on display at a 22-day painting exhibition at Gallery 21, Dhanmondi in the capital. The painting, that incorporates the theme of the Liberation War to the fullest, presents the freedom fighter in a surrealistic manner, where outlines and muscles of his body surpass their actual physical border giving the painting an enigmatic effect. However, the lack of physical factuality of the fighter actually reflects on the inner strength radiated from the metaphysical body of the warrior.
The exhibition, with the title Joddga (Fighter), displays works with a central theme of the passion for the war of independence, where the artist himself was a valiant freedom fighter.
The freedom fighter turned artist Ahmed has depicted the fierceness of the freedom fighters in Durdomo Goti, which reveals naked faceless human figures placed in the center of the wide, white canvas. The mingling bodies, formed with bold brush strokes and vivid colours, portray the universal urge of freedom.
At a glance, the image of a fallen freedom fighter, in the painting Shakti Shonchoy, may not seem to comply with the undefeated spirit of the freedom fighter. However, a close observation would assure the fighter has fallen due to exhaustion by the continuous struggle of the war and he is merely regaining his strength for upcoming battle.
One of the canvases features the ferocity and splendour of the Royal Bengal tiger, the national animal of Bangladesh. Ahmed has also presented paintings highlighting the valiant aspects of great leaders such as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Mahatma Gandhi and the world-poet Rabindranath Tagore.
The exhibition, which was inaugurated on September 20, will remain open for everybody from 12:00 to 8:00pm till October 11.
-With New Age input
