Japanese Printmaking Workshop and Exhibition begins
An eight day printmaking workshop and an art exhibition titled “Heart” was inaugurated on February 25 at Cosmos Centre in Malibagh.
Internationally acclaimed Japanese artist Toshihisa Fudezuka is conducting the workshop where he mainly focuses on the water- based wood block printmaking technique. He will also demonstrate techniques of burin engraving at the workshop. The artist’s other solo printmaking exhibition is now on at The Gallery in Gulshan. The exhibition was inaugurated on February 23 and will continue till March 8. His presentation will be held at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, the University of Development Alternative (UODA) and the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts.
Chief Information Commissioner Mohammad Zamir inaugurated the event as chief guest. Professor Nazrul Islam, chairman of University Grants Commission; Robert McDougall, High Commissioner of Canada in Bangladesh; Tassanawadee Miancharoen, Ambassador of Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka; Enayetullah Khan, chairman of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos-Atelier71 Printmaking Studio; Ylva Sorman Nath, Counselor of Embassy of Sweden, senior artists and cultural personalities attended the event.
The discussants talked about the workshop and its role in developing and supporting cultural and the artistic exchanges across geographic boundaries.
Mohammad Zamir said, “Printmaking is challenging and exciting. It gives an opportunity for rethinking, re-evaluation and reworking. The medium’s outcome is marvellous and provides a pleasurable effect with multiple colours in prints. Such a workshop will certainly help our upcoming printmakers.”
Enayetullah Khan said, “I feel this exhibition and workshop to be a cultural link between artists of Japan and Bangladesh. Japanese prints are technique-based, more sophisticated and detailed. Our printmakers are quite eager about Japanese artworks. At the workshop, Bangladeshi artists have learnt many delicate methods and techniques.”
Toshihisa Fudezuka said, “Japanese art is known for its soft colours, minimal expressions and meticulous lines and forms. Our painters always search for perfection and their works are more technique-based.”
The participating printmakers are Anwar Hossain from Chittagong University, SM Ehsan, Khalequzzaman Shimul and Farzana Rahman from UODA, Fatematuj Johura Holy from Rajshahi University, Mokaddesur Tushil, Palash Baran Surjo and Shubho Shaha from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
The solo exhibition featuring the 30 prints of Fudezuka Toshihisa is on display at the Cosmos Gallery.
Fudezuka Toshihisa is a contemporary Japanese printmaker whose works highlight the lush beauty of Japanese nature and physiological journey of human beings. His works feature very few subjects. His works are seemingly time consuming and give the viewers a detailed idea of his thought process. His works are engrossed with quiet colours, detailed lines, and varied dotted and tiny forms.
Fudezuka’s works predominantly feature nature and subdued expressions of emotions. Forms and layer of colours are noticeable in his works. The images are contemplative and balanced. The artist has tried to grasp yearnings and personal perceptions through his art. Some of his images clearly express his preference towards minimalism. His forms are not formally arranged but articulate with a thoughtful approach.
Born at Kagawa region in Japan in 1957, artist Feduzuka completed his masters’ in printmaking from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in 1983 and graduated in painting from Musashino Fine Arts University, Tokyo.
The artist has more than 100 solo exhibitions in Japan and abroad and more than 50 international participations. He already has received 10 awards nationally and internationally including Prize of Excellence Award in 4th Kochi International Triennial of Prints, 2nd Seibu Print Grand Prix and in Kagawa Prefecture Art Exhibition in Japan; Silver Prize Award, 6 times Purchase Prize Award and more. Currently Fudezuka is a visiting lecturer at Tokyo Zokei University and at Musashino Fine Arts University in Tokyo.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
