Bipad's inspiration from Nature
Bipad Bhanjan Sen Karmakar's recent acrylic work of boats and women filling vessels at the river bank is charmed by natural elements of God's creation. This was amply seen in his recent acrylic exhibition at the Alliance Francaise art Gallery at Dhanmondi – the third solo of the artist -- called “Colour of Natural Disposition”.
Karmakar saw the boats in Manikganj. His house was near the River Gazi Khali. His father was a goldsmith, he says, who made careful carvings on gold. Meanwhile, his mother excelled in making “alpana” for occasions with ground rice. His dad, furthermore made buntings and flowers out of paper for the festive seasons Girls used to flock to him to help embroider flowers and leaves. This, he says taught him his first in drawing Nature. Side by side with his studies he often drew — so much so that he was nicknamed “artist” by school friends. He always got excellent marks in art. The second recipient in drawing and was always left way behind.
The river was always full of boats with coloured sails during the festive seasons. This was especially so on Thursdays, when the “Shaturia haat” used to be held in his childhood. So recall his nostalgic memories, the neighbouring women collected water in their earthen or metal vessels, this too led to many of his which they balanced on their hips. This too led to his many idyllic paintings. The river being on the south, south breeze prevailed --- there was too the emerald and jade grass and jute plantations presented the world of Jibanananda Das and Michael Modhushon Dutt. He says that he and his companions flew kites, which they made themselves; swam in the river with glee, rowed boats with joie de vivre; and fished with traps and lines as well as nets — which they made themselves. The morning sun's rays on the dew that fell on the grass pleased him no end. There were many birds singing, during his time — like the doves and sparrows, and eagles which often snatched their fish, kingfishers and woodpeckers. His rural life also included flowers, butterflies, honeybees and ladybirds – that added to the romantic setting of his childhood. He says that he collected honey himself.
In his youth he collected the orange-stemmed tiny white “shiuli” flower for “Puja”. In winter, the yellow mustard flowers excited him immensely. Thus he was in very heaven in his childhood.
After his SSC exams, he joined the then Dhaka Art College in 1970. He says that he stayed in a hostel with Mohammed Kibria and Samarjit Roy Chowdhury. These senior artists encouraged him, and on seeing his annual work, Zainul Abedin gave him an award. Karmakar says that he loved pencil sketches, watercolour and poster paints. He studied commercial art under Aminul Islam, Qayyum Chowdhury, Samarjit Roy Chowudhry, Mahmudul Haque, as well as Mohammad Kibria. He learnt lithograph under Safiuddin Ahmed.
He later joined “Dainik Sangbad”, where he made illustration. He also worked at “Purbo Desh”. Again, he worked as the Chief Designer for 18 years of Eastern Regal Industries and Jamuna Group, and also he worked at an advertising firm.
The exhibition ends on March 27.
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