In quest of novel forms

Mohammad Eunus is one of the leading painters from the '70s, when the nation was caught up in the freedom movement. At the time, the country faced many catastrophes and crossed a number of dilemmas -- a time when our art, literature proceeded with a new vision and novel ideas and themes. Eunus closely observed the changing socio-political and economic conditions of the country.
Eunus is a Professor at the Department of Graphic Design, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. His current style of choice is abstract expressionism. He frequently changes the arrangement of his forms and compositions as well as the overall structure of his paintings.
Over the last few years, Eunus has been constantly trying to give a new language and new-fangled shape to his paintings. He bears witness to the madness of the current times in an eruption of vicious shades in different layers. The eruption of colours is accompanied by contrast, and the reality of texture is created in the abstract expression.
When we closely observe Eunus' paintings, we can easily recognise his affinity for rich textured, both -- subdued and bold colours -- with various realistic and vague forms. He likes to play with various aspects of nature, animal forms and structures in varied shapes. He tries to ensure an intense combination between colours and forms. Smoothness is another trait of his paintings.
Eunus took advantage from his academic skill to create a language of his own by the contemporary abstract lingo. His symbolic views are basically two dimensional, with compactness of texture and intensity of tonal harmony. Very insightful managing of colours in shade with shiny white, green, emerald green, ultramarine blue and solemn tones of dark russet, ochre, crimson, gray and even black created a connection between the spectators and the artist's understanding and thinking process.
Eunus feels that drawings are an appearance of the thoughts, the inner world and what literally makes the daily life of an artist. The artist frequently tends to draw from memory. He carries a sketchbook with him wherever he goes, so he can portray observations from his surroundings. The process assists him to recollect the memories which ultimately provide the inspiration for many of his compositions. His works show the world the way he sees it, and manifest the essence of the things he has seen. His paintings are also mirror of his mind frame. His lines signify the modern mode of expression. His expression features varied structures, oval, encircled and doodle forms.
Gradually, figures have been missing in Eunus' works and various kinds of forms, symbols, textures, oval, triangular and rectangular shapes and lines have taken over the canvas. Geometric structures and architectural views give a new perspective to his works. Adjoining columns, slabs, walls, broken pillars, ruined walls, rusted pipes, broken doors, rickshaws, wrecked guitars, wheels, windows, scattered papers are recurring objects in his works. Some of the other motifs in Eunus' paintings are animals (horses, peacocks, and bison), ancient edifice, cactus, vessels, hills and sky. Some of his paintings clearly highlight pure composition. The compositions convey his fondness for translucent lines and tiny forms.
Some of his paintings feature faces where he has used scattered lines. Some faces seem primitive. The faces are not identical and each gives a unique look. His composition is styled with occasional oval shapes.
Despite living in Japan for a long time in pursuit of higher studies, Eunus has not been directly influenced by Japanese art. Japanese art is known for its soft colours, minimal expressions and meticulous lines and forms. His colours and forms clearly voice the dilemma of our times.