Portraits in courage
L-R: ‘Shongshoptok’ by Hamiduzzaman Khan. ‘Aparajeyo Bangla’ by Syed Abdullah Khalid. ‘Jagroto Chowrongi’ by Abdur Razzaque
Sculpture is a three-dimensional art form and it draws quick attention. It reflects on culture, history, time and moment. The main purpose of erecting a sculpture is to demonstrate one's artistic faculties through highlighting a certain theme.
Sculpture is considered to be one of the longest lasting genres of art. However, the trend of modern sculpture started here in the East Pakistan era, back in 1950s. Novera Ahmed's name first achieved prominence in this field and she has popularised the medium in our country. In the 1950s and mid '50s, Novera Ahmed had several sculpture exhibitions. Sculpture had, by this time, started to catch on in the local art scene. Despite many objections on erecting sculptures at public places, it is increasingly gaining popularity.
The Sculpture Department at the Institute of Fine Arts was founded in 1965. Abdur Razzaque was the founder teacher of the department. Later on Anwar Jahan, Hamiduzzaman Khan and Shamim Shikdar joined the department as teachers. After the Liberation War, sculptures in Bangladesh mainly focused on the contribution of freedom fighters. Many significant sculptures were built in the mid '70s and early '80s. Here are some of the most remarkable and familiar sculptures with the theme Liberation War at a glance:
'Jagroto Chowrongi' or 'Muktijoddha'
Abdur Razzaque is regarded as one of the greatest sculptors of our country. He was the first artist to take up sculpture in the independent country. His 'Jagroto Chowrongi' is considered one of the best sculptures in Bangladesh, considering both form and theme, by art critics. Located in Joydebpur, and built in 1973, it is the first post-Liberation War sculpture. It depicts a freedom fighter with a grenade in his right and a rifle in his left hand. The sculpture is an 18 feet high concrete piece on a 24 feet pedestal.
Noted sculptor Syed Abdullah Khalid said, “After finishing 'Jagroto Chowrongi', Razzaque Sir was encouraged to do many sculptures in different areas of the country. His works are simultaneously of technical excellence and intellectually very mature. He liked to work with figures. He has made many semi-abstract and pure abstract pieces. These vary in media, materials and size. As medium he has used cement, stone, steel, iron, bronze and wood. In metals he has used both welding technique and casting. Wood was one of his preferred mediums, have been carved and shaped to give a distinct dimension because of the touch of his skilled hand.”
'Aparajeyo Bangla'
Syed Abdullah Khalid is one of the most brilliant contemporary sculptors of our country.
Khalid's 'Aparajeyo Bangla' on Dhaka University campus has become an evocative icon of the Liberation War. The project was launched in 1973 when the artist was a young teacher at the Department of Fine Arts, Chittagong University. Throughout the making of the sculpture, Khalid had to face many hurdles, like negative reaction from religious fanatics.
“I undertook the project because I strongly believed in it. I wanted to do something for my country and fellow citizens. After the Liberation War, I contemplated a plan to create a symbol which would inspire generations of Bangladeshis,” said Khalid.
Hasina Ahmed, Syed Hamid Moksood and Badrul Alam Benu, who are very close to Khalid, modelled for 'Aparajeyo Bangla.'
“On August 15, 1975, the work suddenly came to a halt because of the heinous murder of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The project remained incomplete till the end of 1978. Some fundamentalist groups tried to demolish the sculpture in 1977. However, after a long break, the work resumed in the beginning of 1979. The project was finally finished on December 16, 1979,” added Khalid.
'Shongshoptok'
Hamiduzzaman Khan started his career not as a sculptor but a painter. On careful examination of his works, one will see that Khan endeavours to mix architectural or geometrical shapes with local materials found in his surroundings. His prime concern is form and theme. In his form-oriented works, one finds Western flavours.
“After 1971, I tried to understand the significance of sculpture and took interest in this art form. During that time, I concentrated on Liberation War as a theme, and the subject was a great source of inspiration for Bangladeshi artists,” said Khan.
One of his most moving creations is “Shongshoptok'. It stands 28 feet high, including the base. It is constructed of steel armature and brass steel. The work has been placed in front of the Central Library, Jahangirnagar University. It depicts a freedom fighter with a hand missing yet ready to fight against the Pakistani forces. The fighter carries a rifle in his hand. It is a sign of the freedom fighters' valour and their dedication to the country.
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