Published on 12:00 AM, September 13, 2018

HOMAGE TO SHAHABUDDIN AHMED

The art maestro's 69th birthday celebrated at BSA

Photo: BSA

It was an enthusiastic gathering of artists, professors, litterateurs, singers, dancers, thespians and cultural personalities. People from all walks of life joined the grand birthday celebration of internationally renowned Bangladeshi artist Shahabuddin Ahmed at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on September 11.

BSA, in association with the National Committee dedicated to celebrating the great artist's birthday, organised the event. It included painting and photography exhibitions, documentary screening, floral greetings and artistic homage through a lively cultural programme. The event took place in the National Theatre Hall of BSA.

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury graced the occasion as chief guest, while National Professor Anisuzzaman presided over the event. Liaquat Ali Lucky, DG, BSA, and Professor Abdul Mannan, President of the National Celebration Committee, delivered welcome addresses on the occasion. A documentary on the life and works of Shahabuddin Ahmed was screened at the ceremony. Prominent Indian journalist Ajoy Roy has filmed the documentary.

Eminent personalities including HT Imam, PM's Political Advisor, art critic Moinuddin Khaled, and representatives from different organisations greeted the artist with bouquets.

12 of the country's most prominent and promising artists --Abdul Mannan, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Mohammad Anizuzzaman, Dulal Chandra Gain, Alaptogin Tushar, Md Kamaluddin, Bishwajit Goshwami, Moizuddin Liton, Ratneshwar Sutradhar, Abdus Sattar, Shohag Parvez and Didarul Hossian Limon-- drew the portraits of Shahabuddin Ahmed on canvases. The artworks are on display at the National Theatre Hall of BSA. At the same time, around 50 of his portraits clicked by several renowned photographers --Nasir Ali Mamun, Abu Taher, Imtiaj Alam Beg, Iftekhar Wahid Iftee, Rupam Chowdhury, Ajoy Roy, Mohammad Asad, Subir Kumar and Mazharul Islam are also on display at the venue.        

Shahabuddin Ahmed, who is also a freedom fighter, has taken our art to a global stage. His paintings are displayed in many prestigious galleries across the globe, including Museum Olympic Lausanne, Switzerland and Bourn-En Brasse Museum, France. Alongside a myriad of international accolades, he was the recipient of the Bangla Academy Award in 1974 and the Shadhinata Padak in 2000.