Syed Iqbal's inspiring journey: Elevating Bangladeshi art internationally

In 2021, the Art Gallery of Mississauga in Canada made history by hosting the grand art exhibition, "Art of a Young Nation: Bangladesh," to commemorate the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the golden jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh.

The three-month-long exhibition showcased the works of 38 Bangladeshi artists and was co-curated by Ali Adil Khan and Ruxmini Reckvana Q Choudhury, assistant curator at Samdani Art Foundation.

The driving force behind this endeavour was the persistent efforts of Syed Iqbal, an accomplished Bangladeshi expatriate artist, and his friend Ali Adil Khan, a South Asian art specialist based in Toronto.

Recently, Syed Iqbal visited Bangladesh and The Daily Star met him over a cup of coffee. He opened up about the highlights of the exhibition and his creative journey.

Syed Iqbal revealed how the idea of the joint exhibition came to life. "When my friend, Pakistani-Canadian Ali Adil Khan, expressed his wish to organise an exhibition featuring Bangladeshi artists in commemoration of Bangladesh's 50th anniversary of independence, the gallery's executive director, Anna Gulbinski, was taken aback by the idea—a Pakistani-Canadian proposing an exhibition of Bangladeshi artists to honor Bangladesh's independence. Little did she know that Ali Adil is an ardent admirer of Bangabandhu, the father of Bangladesh."

The exhibition received widespread acclaim, attracting not only Bangladeshi visitors but also art enthusiasts from Pakistan and India, as Mississauga, being part of Greater Toronto, boasts a vibrant South Asian community.

Speaking about the response from different communities, Syed Iqbal shared, "Many art enthusiasts from India and Pakistan came to see the exhibition, and some were eager to buy the artworks. Unfortunately, the Bangladeshi expatriate community showed relatively less interest. As a nation, we might not have developed a rich appreciation for art, and this is also reflected in how our government provides limited support to the art community compared to other creative sectors."

Among the featured artworks in the exhibition, Syed Iqbal's personal favourite was his own artwork, Tears of Nature, a massive abstract painting portraying diverse geographical, cultural, and ecological aspects of Bangladesh. It also drew attention to the significant impact of climate change on the country, with the upper section depicting desertification and deforestation, while the lower part illustrated rising sea levels due to global warming.

His other artwork, Father, Give Us a New Nation, depicted a poignant narrative of Bangladesh's liberation struggle. The lower section of the artwork portrayed the horrifying scenes of Pakistani army atrocities against civilians. In the middle of the composition, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, is depicted crucified on a colossal cross, symbolising his sacrifice for our liberation.

The artwork sparked controversy among Pakistani retired officials in Canada, due to its portrayal of the Pakistani Army's atrocities. Nevertheless, the gallery stood firm, refusing to remove the artwork.

Syed Iqbal believes that this exhibition has set a trend for featuring Bangladeshi artists in the international arena, stating, "I have heard that there will be another exhibition like this in New York. So, this exhibition has created a ripple effect for the Bangladeshi artist community."

Syed Iqbal's artistic journey began with realistic paintings, but he transitioned to abstract compositions early in his career. His illustrations draw inspiration from nature, human emotions, and their intricate embodiments, depicted through powerful hues and thick textures.

Apart from his artistic pursuits, Syed Iqbal is also an accomplished writer, having penned 35 books, including novels, short stories, and fiction, over his illustrious four-decade writing career.

Despite residing in Canada, Syed Iqbal's heart remains deeply connected to his motherland, Bangladesh. His artistic endeavours and dedication to promoting Bangladeshi art on the international stage have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the country's creative landscape.