Artists and art enthusiasts gathered together for the inauguration of Safiuddin Shilpalay at Dhanmondi yesterday. As the name suggests, the establishment commemorates the life and works of Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed.

Eminent actor and Member of the Parliament Asaduzzaman Noor attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. It was also attended by art historian and critic Professor Syed Azizul Haque, Chairperson of the Department of Bangla, University of Dhaka. Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Professor Nisar Hossain, eminent artist and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka, attended the programme as special guests. Artist Md Moniruzzaman, Executive Director of Gallery Chitrak and Engineer Moinul Abedin, son of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin among others, were also present. Safiuddin Shilpalay is established by Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed's son, Ahmed Nazir.

The Shilpaguru's artworks are on display on the walls of the museum. His works in various mediums, such as drawings, wood engravings, etchings, charcoals and copper engravings among others are displayed, along with the tools he used.

Safiuddin Shilpalay consists of three sections: The Fine Arts and Fashion Gallery for artworks, the Shilpaguru Safiuddin Chattar for various items and furniture that was used by the artist, and the Safiuddin Printmaking Studio for works of upcoming artists.

Nahida Sharmin, Executive Director of Safiuddin Shilpalay and daughter-in-law of Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed spoke at the programme. "There is hardly any art museum here in Bangladesh. Had that been the case, we wouldn't have resorted to taking matters into our own hands," she said.

"Most countries have their own art museums, where artworks from various artists are displayed permanently. Yet here in Bangladesh, there was not a designated curator in the National Museum up until recently, which is why this gallery is an admirable effort," said Asaduzzaman Noor.

 Ahmed Nazir said that paintings of Safiuddin Ahmed will be exhibited once a year. "His artworks have been preserved since 2008 till now. If they are regularly left in the open, exposure to light and moisture may damage them," he said. "If there was any sustainable system of art preservation and restoration, I would have gladly given his works there. He may have been my father but as an artist, Safiuddin Ahmed belongs to the people."

"Museums are not just about paintings being hung on walls. In this exhibition, when people see my father's tools, his paintbrushes, metal plates, and dabber, they can visualise how his artworks came to be – all of this tell a story," added Nazir. The exhibition will continue till March 31, 2021.