A search for space and meaning: Iftikhar Uddin Ahmed’s solo exhibition ends today

"Searching for Space", a solo exhibition featuring Iftikhar Uddin Ahmed's artworks is currently underway at La Galerie, Alliance Francaise, Dhaka.

Ahmed's artworks connect the past with the present, characterised by the skillful use of broken lines, doodles, and textures. The prominence of wheels, broken pillars, clocks, and keys in his semi-abstract work demonstrates the concept and importance of time. It was one of the central themes followed by the diverse body of work on display.

Iftikhar Uddin Ahmed, a freelance artist by profession, was born and brought up in Dhaka. After completing his master's degree in Drawing and Painting from the Institute of Fine Arts, he received a scholarship to continue his education on modern painting at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, France.

Ahmed has several glorious achievements to his name, including the First Prize in Painting at Artists of the World, Galerie Bennanos, Paris in 1994; an Honourable Mention Award at the 9th Asian Art Biennale in 1999 and the Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad Biennale in 2000.

The artist has a unique approach towards space. "Space is an idea that differs from person to person. For some it could mean physical distance while others can think of it as an open canvas," he explained. The mixed media artworks on display reflect an inherent search for space, new ideas, hidden meanings and inspiration.

"Artists in Bangladesh are greatly limited by a signature style and artform. For me, art is the freedom to imagine and should never be restricted to one theme. I believe diversity is what makes us unique as artists," asserted Ahmed. In the exhibition, none of the artworks seem to be connected to each other, with all of them having their own individual appeal.

Ahmed is greatly inspired by the idea of real art and describes it as the power to defy reality. "Art must have the power to put forward something that is naturally impossible. It is this escape from reality that I usually attempt for," he shared.

In one of his artworks, "Dream", we can see typewriters floating in the air, appearing to have fallen from the sky. One of them is hitting the ground, with a motivational message printed out form it. Set in a foreign countryside location, it instantly catches the attention of viewers among the other dark pieces.

Many of the artworks beautifully depict the progression and destruction following time. The "Lost City" shares the story of an old town, through the conversation between a guitar and a piano. These musical instruments are a testament to the time and the liveliness the city once possessed. It shows how everything has a definite life cycle, an idea that is explored in several other pieces.

Another popular artwork is "71 Bangladesh, Genocide" which depicts the horrors of the mass killings that shook the nation in 1971. It is the only artwork with Bangladeshi representation and explores how merciless the murders were. There also lies a flag on the ground, emphasising on the impending fight for independence.

The artworks are available for sale and the exhibition is open for all till today, September 30.