Mahbub Zamal Shamim's “Jungle of Humanity” at BSA
Art organisation ARTcon in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has arranged a two-week long solo art exhibition titled “Jungle of Humanity” by artist Mahbub Zamal Shamim at Gallery-2 of BSA's National Art Gallery.
Eminent artist Mustafa Monwar, renowned architect Bashirul Haq, noted sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan and artist Shishir Bhattacharjee, among others, inaugurated the exhibition as distinguished guests on November 10. Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, presided over the inaugural programme. The exhibition is open from 11am to 8 pm daily till November 24.
One of the paintings titled “Jungle of Humanity” (acrylic) is a brave portrayal of the myth of Kali, depicting the goddess in her multiple forms, including the dangerous Kali, the determined Durga, and her maternal side. A contemporary treatment of forms and figures is associated with the composition, and taking the place of Lord Shiva beneath Kali's enormous feet is an ominous, demonic creature. Shamim's artistic efforts reflect the need to create a humane society, where evil is banished and good is nurtured. His sculptures are fine, simple and horizontal in style.
Mahbub Zamal Shamim was born in 1960, in Jessore. He spent his childhood as an apprentice to the legendary painter SM Sultan. During his time as a student, he successfully developed the style of “Beauty in Obesity”. At the exhibition Shamim has been displaying an array of artworks done on diverse media ranging from sculptures to paintings. The artist's paintings are large in size, depicting obese figures in several works.
Regarding compositional style, the influence of SM Sultan's famous painting “The First Plantation” is noticeable in Shamim's works like “Boat Trip” (Dry Pastel and Pen on Paper) and “You and I” (Charcoal on Paper).
Shamim completed his BFA and MFA from the Department of Sculpture, Institute of Fine Arts (Now Faculty of Fine Art), University of Dhaka. As an MFA student, he founded an art institute, Charupith, in Jessore with a vision to increase the practice and research of art in society, as well as to encourage everyone from across the country to open art schools for children. He is also credited with introducing the concept of “Mongol Shobhajatra” as a medium of celebrating the Bangla Noboborsho (Bengali New Year) using various traditional motifs and elevating the procession to a national festival. He achieved his fellowship on “Innovative Social Entrepreneurship” from Ashoka Foundation, USA, in 1997-1999. The artist has held three solo exhibitions and participated in numerous national and international group art exhibitions, including the 55th Venice Biennale in Venice, Italy, in 2013. He has won the Gold Medal Award from Rotary International Bangladesh in 2011. His works have been collected by several national and international organisations and many private collectors both at home and abroad. Currently he is working as a freelance artist and is also the Principal at the Charupith-Art Research Institute, Jessore.
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