Zainul Abedin: Our pride and joy

Amidst passionate speeches by members of the Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University, National Museum, Bengal Foundation and Begum Jahanara Abedin (widow of Zainul Abedin), Zainul Abedin's birth anniversary was celebrated at the Institute of Fine arts DU. This was the intro to the photographic exhibit, which the Charukala's way of remembering Zainul. The display of photographs was at Zainul Gallery-1 on December 29.

Matlub Ali, litterateur, the first speaker, reiterated that every year this day is celebrated with fanfare. This year's celebration was more formal than ones before. Ali reminded that the Zainul Gallery was a symbol of the maestro's creativity and tireless efforts.

Rafiqun Nabi said that whatever the Bangladeshi artists have achieved is due to Zainul. He pointed out that the event held by the National Museum and the Bengal Foundation was a commendable effort.

Nabi emphasised the fact that the ambiance of the present day Fine Arts Department, Dhaka University, was not quite what it was during his student days. He insisted that the teachers at the department should try to preserve the rapport that existed in his time under Zainul Abedin.

"It is only due to Zainul's unparalleled efforts that there are so many gifted artists who are working and experimenting in Bangladesh today," said Mahmudul Haque. He added, "I've tried to preserve his memory in 'Mymensingh Angan', which includes Zainul's paintings the gallery itself, the guest house and the children's painting section.

Begum Abedin has donated the photographs that one sees in the Zainul Gallery, today. Hopefully one can glean something about Zainul from this celebration of his 91st birthday "

Shubir Chowdhury, Director, Bengal Gallery said that he was once a student of the Charukala Institute and spoke of how the Bengal Foundation extends patronage to Bangladeshi talents in the fine arts. He said that if we can present our talents to the outer world we could fulfill our dreams of cultural recognition overseas.

Begum Jahanara Abedin, special guest, said that whatever she did not already know about Zainul had been learnt in the course of functions in his memory. She said, "Zainul is one of the finest artist who began the artistic revolution in Bangladesh. There is yet time to better ensure the preservation of his memory."

Chief guest SMA Faiz, Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, said that the stature that our artists have achieved would have been impossible without Zainul's guidance, training and the establishment of the Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University; and that he is indeed a titan among us. "He is the one who first introduced our artists to the outer world. He is our 'pride and joy'. The display of photographs will make us aware of his genius and achievements once more," said Faiz.

Farida Zaman, Director of the Fine Arts Institute, DU, said, "It's a day of joy for all those who have studied and worked at the institute." She praised Rafiqun Nabi, as he was Zainul's favourite student." She added that the teachers of the Fine Arts Institute and Mahmudul Haque had all helped to the best of their abilities.

Farida also pointed out that the viewers of the photographic exhibit would learn a lot about Zainul, the supreme artist in Bangladesh. She concluded by saying "Our memories of Zainul are being lost and it is essential that we should try and preserve all his paintings, sketches and memorabilia."