‘Muktijoddha O Naisargik Bangladesh’ concludes today

Artist Akhtar Mahmud Kajal, the son of a government employee, was a school student when he witnessed the Liberation War of Bangladesh and its aftermath.

He also had opportunities to travel and see the picturesque landscapes of the country. For over 40 years, he has been capturing the colours of nature and human living conditions of Bangladesh in artistic expressions on his canvas. 102 of his artworks are currently on display at his solo oil painting exhibition, Muktijoddha O Naisargik Bangladesh (Liberation War and Scenic Beauty of Bangladesh), at the National Art Plaza of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The beauty of Bangladesh is brilliantly displayed on his colourful paintings through mountains, rivers, birds and flowers, among other motifs. Dhaka locked in rain or an evening view of the Burigonga, all come to play in his expressions. Art is therapeutic for him.

Kajal sees his mother as his greatest source of inspiration.  As a self-taught artist, he often felt the need to learn more. "I asked my aunt to send me video cassettes of oil painting from the US," the artist recalls. "She sent them to me and that's when my journey with oil paintings took off. I have not used any other medium ever since." 

Majority of his artworks have been sold at different countries across the globe. A friend of the artist encouraged him to host a solo exhibition for public viewing. He planned and produced 102 oil paintings over the last four years. The exhibition concludes today at 8 pm.