US Embassy funds restoration of Sultan’s artworks

The US-funded cultural preservation project for SM Sultan's artworks was inaugurated at Bengal Shilpalay in the capital's Dhanmondi on Tuesday.

United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Robert Miller and Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Nurul Huda opened the project.

At the event, Miller presented a ceremonial plaque to Bengal Foundation's Director General Luva Nahid Chowdhury for the formal inauguration.

Syed Manzoorul Islam, former Dhaka University professor and writer, was the guest of honour and spoke about the life and works of SM Sultan.

The three-year initiative, funded by the US government's prestigious Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), supports the study, analysis, and restoration of the largest collection of paintings by one of Bangladesh's most celebrated artists.

The project also includes training young Bangladeshi conservation professionals on sustainable conservation techniques, methodologies and restoration models. 

In his speech, Manzoorul recalled his interaction with the artist and mentioned that Sultan had broken the barriers of high art and low art from his very first exhibition.

Manzoorul further elaborated Sultan's take on the subaltern world view and his lifelong effort to produce counter narratives and bring the rural at the centre of attention.

Mohammad Nurul Huda reminisced about Sultan as a young officer at the Bangla Academy and shared his attachment with the artist's work "Chordokhol", which inspired Huda to make it the cover of his book.

"Sultan is important to us not only for his valuable impact in the history of Bangladeshi modern art, but for his world view, his rootedness and extraordinary conviction for the village life," said Luva Nahid.

The project inauguration also marked the beginning of an exhibition displaying the artworks by SM Sultan, photographs of the legendary artist, as well as books, magazines and films on him.

The exhibition will remain open for visitors till December 4.