Hues of darkness and light

Mubinul AzimPhoto: File PhotoCultural Correspondent

November 1 marked the 34th death anniversary of renowned Bangladeshi painter Mubinul Azim. Azim is considered a pioneer in the Bangladeshi art scene. He and his contemporaries made a great contribution in the sphere of experimental paintings. Some of them combined local motifs and various western forms.

Since the '50s and '60s, Bangladeshi painters have incorporated a diverse range of familiar and unfamiliar forms and motifs in their works. Though the contemporary art history of Bangladesh does not have long innings, it flourished here within a relatively short period. This was made possible by some painters who studied in the west in the '50s and '60s. Upon their return, the influence of renowned western artists was evident in their works.

At that time, some artists took the chance to refine their skills and establish individual hallmarks. This period was significant for other reasons as well: these painters introduced many forms of modern, abstract, abstract-impressionist and abstract-expressionist art. Their works had an enriching influence on other emerging painters as well.

Azim died in 1975, at the peak of his artistic career. He produced many paintings, watercolours and sketches in the course of his short career. He graduated in fine arts from Dacca College of Arts and Crafts (at present Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University) in 1955. A hardworking and reflective introvert, Azim spent a significant part of his career in Karachi, Pakistan -- a hub for artists, poets, writers and novelists at the time. Besides immersing himself in painting, Azim taught at an art institute in Karachi. He returned to Dhaka for good after the Liberation War and devoted himself to painting. He held a solo exhibition in 1973 at Desh Art Gallery in the city. After his death, two exhibitions of his works were held at Dhaka Club (in 1976) and Shilpakala Academy (in 1998).

Azim set out as a naturist and figurative painter. In the early stages of his career, nature played a major role in his works. Along with natural elements, colour was a predominant aspect of his works. The treatment of colour and particularly the composition was distinct and exceptional. His canvases are marked with pigment and fluidity. A good interaction between use of space and objects always carried an individual and aesthetic trademark in his works. Sometimes his works seem to convey the feel of solitude. During a certain phase of his career, Azim focused on boats. He drew forms of boats that resembled the image of a new moon or crescent. The interplay of darkness and light was another significant characteristic of his works.

Azim was an artistic genius who should be honoured with a voluminous publication on his life and works.