Painter Monsur ul Karim no more
Ekushey Padak winning painter Monsur ul Karim passed away around 11:30am yesterday after a cardiac arrest in the capital's United Hospital.
He was 70.
He was admitted to the hospital 11 days ago, said his daughter Sadia Monsur.
The artist was buried at his village Rainagar in Rajbari after a Namaz-e-Janaza last night. He left behind two sons, a daughter, many students, fans and followers.
The former professor of the Institute of Fine Arts at Chattogram University was known for his intricate work. His favourite medium was oil.
Karim was the recipient of many awards at home and abroad -- including the Grand Award at the 6th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh in 1993, the Grand Prize at 8th Indian Triennial International at New Delhi in 1994, and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award in 1994. He also received the 2015 Sultan Padak for his contributions to Bangladeshi art.
Monsur came to prominence in the late '60s. As an experimental painter, he would delve into figures, themes, colours and textures.
His works zoom in on the struggles and yearnings of his subjects, employing bright and lively colours to denote the Padma river and its surroundings. His themes include sailing boats, fishing nets, clouds, monsoon, the changing tides, erosion of riverbanks and the displacement of people.
Monsur was born in Rajbari in 1950. He did his graduation from the Institute of Arts (now the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka).
The artist once displayed only one artwork at a solo show that showcased the natural beauty of Bandarban.
Later, he dedicated the painting to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. In Rainagar, Rajbari, he had set up 'Bunon Art Space' for students and young artists.
Comments