Zainul Utshab 2015

Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA) of University of Dhaka wears a festive look during Zainul Utshab 2015. Chief guest AAMS Arefin Siddique, Vice Chancellor of University of Dhaka, with Jahanara Abedin, wife of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, jointly inaugurated the three day (December 29-31) festival at FFA premises. Professor Samarjit Roy Chowdhury attended the event as special guest while Professor Nisar Hossain, Dean of FFA, DU presided over the programme.

As previous years, the FFA authority honoured two eminent professors-- Professor Abdul Matin Sarker and Professor Bulbon Osman (both from the Department of History of Art, FAA, DU) with Zainul Sammanona on the pioneer painter's birth anniversary.  

A dhuli playing rhythmic beats next to a stall displaying art pieces at Zainul fair.

The family of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, especially his wife Jahanara Abedin and Mainul Abedin, youngest son of Shilpacharya, always support FFA in organising the festival. This year the Shilpacharya Family honoured Sushanta Ghosh, The Daily Star's staff correspondent of Barisal, for his initiative to promote local folk artists and artisans like idol makers and potters with his objective reports, inspiration and financial support.       

In celebration of the occasion, a weeklong doll exhibition from the collection of Shilpacharya is on display at Zainul Gallery. The exhibition draws many new dimensions and surprises as many craft items, traditional boats and folk elements are on display at the exhibit. The exhibition, planned by two FFA teachers -- Md. Faruk Ahmed Molla and Md. Rabiul Islam -- was inaugurated by Jahanara Abedin.

The Dhaka University Vice Chancellor inaugurated Zainul Mela (fair) where all the departments of FFA are showcasing and selling art pieces by the students and teachers. Several installations are placed beside the small pond of FFA. There are also several stalls by the local artisans who are displaying and selling their art products. The price of the artworks is relatively low at the fair. Traditional dhol and folk artistes kept the Charukala premises vibrant and rhythmic with their pulsating beats and music.  

The opening day was marked by a cultural programme, held at Bakultala, where students and a music band called “Gaan Pagol” gave performances. Some folk and cultural troupes will perform at Bakultala everyday during the fair.

Photos: Ridwan Adid Rupon