A poet of abstraction
The essence of the rhythm of poetry, the melody of classical music and the visual beauty of abstract paintings are the same, according to Mohammad Eunus. The abstract master's 41st solo art exhibition titled “An Abstract Affair” opens today (March 18) at Edge Gallery, Gulshan-2 in the capital. Abul Khair, Chairman of Bengal Foundation, will inaugurate the exhibition as chief guest.
Observing nature, life and art closely with his poetic vision, Mohammad Eunus, also a poet, portrays astounding abstract paintings. He thinks surrealistic poems, especially those composed by Jibanananda Das, Indian classical music and abstract paintings as identical. Eunus has been depicting all the three types of abstract arts – abstract, semi-abstract and pure-abstract – for over four decades. He is now leaning towards pure abstraction nowadays. He employs colours, lines and textures to embody his entire painting a classical character.
“Pursuing art is a solemn perseverance. It's meditative worship that ultimately leads one to the realm of spirituality. I have to be intimately involved with art. A strong passion or deep love for art is imperative,” says Eunus.
The artist takes colours, sounds, senses and lines from nature; but he never takes shapes from nature. Rather, he creates shapes to depict the non-representational forms in his arts. The artist tries to express the inner feelings, elements and incidents of nature through his painting.
“Nature calls out to me at a deep level. My 'Wall' series is such an example. Time morphs a wall into an art piece. Wall evolves like a society; and sometimes we deliberately mess with it; throw paint, hit it, damage it; and then we try to cure it. Society heals, leaving scars. My 'Wall' series endeavours to capture those healing walls,” he asserts.
“My painting is a journey without any destination. I engage no previous thoughts to create art. I make an interaction with my canvas. I converse with the canvas in a meditative way when I start painting. I play with line, colour and texture, and nourish theme and proportion. It is the most glorious moment when I complete a canvas,” he adds.
Amazing texture is a major feature of his paintings. He has been masterfully experimenting with the techniques of texture and layers of oil and acrylic for many years.
“Sometimes unique textures appear on my canvas accidentally. Then I decide to keep or erase the texture through my exchange of internal dialogue with the canvas. I am also inspired by the simplicity of children's art,” he goes on saying.
Eunus has a special liking for the works of Antoni Tàpies and Anthony Claps while he regards Mohammad Kibria, the abstraction Guru, as the Father of Modern art in Bangladesh. “Aminul Islam has equally contributed to the modern art in our country, but regarding abstraction, Mohammad Kibria is unique,” he comments.
For the forthcoming abstract artists, Mohammad Eunus suggests them to know the grammar properly. “Those who have strong academic background with incessant practice, they can master abstract paintings breaking even the grammar of painting,” he says.
He emphasises on the idiosyncratic art language for an artist, but firmly believes 'artistic freedom' is the main spirit for an artist.
Eunus also believes that satisfaction is more powerful than success. If a successful person is not satisfied with what they have done, their success is meaningless.
Mohammad Eunus has many national and international awards to his credits. He was the first to receive Zainul Award in Painting, though he is a renowned academic of Graphic Design.
The exhibition will showcase 35 works and several other works on a digital screen. He has completed the artworks for the show from 2012. The show, open from 10am to 8pm daily, will conclude on March 31.
Comments