A standout exhibition

Mukaddas Shadi Ahmed 's works are different from anything seen in today in contemporary art, says Professor Rokeya Sultana, a well known artist in her own right. The scenario dealing with Mecca, Medina, Kaba Sharif, Jannat, the Azmir Sharif shrine of Khwaja Mainuddin Chishti is a far cry from others.

This weeklong exhibition of Mukaddas at the Dhaka Art Centre (DAC) began on November 7. Rabiul Hussain, poet and architect, says in “Reflection of Spirit” one learns about Sufism. His colours and use of dots and lines are new, fresh and meaningful, says Rabiul.

Mughul Art, miniature and Persian art dealt with religion, as did Renaissance art of Europe, said Professor Rashid Amin of UODA, at the inauguration. He was hard-working and did not have any other source of income except for his painting, said Rashid Amin.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, DU, Abul Barq Alvi said that in his work Mukaddas has combined his love for calligraphy with an Islamic perspective. Most of his work was etchings of lithography, said the printmaker.

Syed Manzoorul Islam said that Mukkadas combines Sufism with symbolism and realistic details. He respects the rich symbolism of Christianity too, being a student of St Gregory's. Sometimes his prints appear somewhat cluttered -- but generally they are clean and beautiful, said Islam.

In one of Mukaddas' work, a man is at prayer. The piece is decorated with flowers and new leaves as they are symbols of hope.

Another print by Mukkadas has an arch with motifs on the lithographs. This depicts a mausoleum of a great Muslim saint. Devotees are shown as sitting in front.

Yet another print contains Arabic phrases in intaglio. The man inside the calligraphy is done by hand with black ink, and one has a Kazi Nazrul Islam ghazal inscribed, for all to enjoy.