‘I paint to find joy and forget sorrow’

An exhibition titled "The Work of Creation 2", featuring the works of eminent Bangladeshi artist based in Japan, Kazi Ghiyasuddin, was inaugurated at Bengal Shilpalaya on October 28. The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh; His Excellency (HE) Ito Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh and Prof Nisar Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka.

Also present at the event were Abul Khair Litu, Chairman of Bengal Foundation, and Luva Nahid Chowdhury, Director General of the foundation. "We have a relationship with Kazi Ghiyasuddin for almost 22 years, and we have always felt a spiritual connection with his work", said Luva Nahid Chowdhury. "In 2019, the journey of the newly built Bengal Shilpalaya began with one of his exhibitions. So, we are incredibly proud to organise his sixth solo exhibition."

The magnificence of nature's symphony is a constant source of inspiration for the Kazi Ghiyasuddin, who depicts nature's underlying harmony through his work. "I paint to find joy and forget sorrow, and will continue to do so. I have delicately crafted the artworks on display at this exhibition, and hope that these will communicate the ideas I cannot put into words," said Kazi Ghiyasuddin.

His outstanding career, spanning over five decades, continues to impact the art scene in Japan and Bangladesh.

"I am overjoyed to be opening this exhibition. Ghiyasuddin has beautifully embodied the principle that the journey of an artist is that of lifelong improvement. The country of Japan and I continue to be amazed by his work,'' shared HE Ito Naoki, who was present as the Special Guest.

The guests also unveiled a book to mark the auspicious occasion. "I am neither an artist nor a critic, but I try my best to understand, appreciate and share art. Kazi Ghiyasuddin is one of the very few artists who have earned global acclaim, incorporating both Bangladeshi and Japanese art finesse. The artworks reflect an innate understanding and connection with nature, as it captures nature's underlying beauty," added Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.

The artworks on display use several mediums including watercolour on paper, collages, oil paint on canvas and board. The watercolour paintings are partially inspired by the traditional Japanese art form 'Nihonga'. The surface of the oils, on the other hand, is inspired by Bangladeshi Nakshi Kantha methods (embroidered quilt). Finally, the collages are composed of torn pieces of paper that have been carefully assembled.

The brilliant colours and strong lines are truly fascinating, and manage to catch the attention of viewers. Prof Nisar Hossain regarded this as a major change in terms of the artist's colour palette.

"The incorporation of colour, however, has not impacted his distinct style as an artist and makes the artworks all the more pleasing," explained Prof Nisar, adding, "In the depths of his work, we can see the reflection of Bangladesh from his childhood. This could be the realisation of the love for his roots, which he had while staying in Japan."

Kazi Ghiyasuddin was the first Bangladeshi receive his doctoral degree in Fine Arts from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. In 2018, he was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays award by the Emperor of Japan. His work follows a unique pattern of abstraction, which is not devoid of human emotions.

The exhibition is open-for-all, every day from 4 pm to 8 pm, until November 28.