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Tracing a path of his own

Ahmed Nazir's exhibition opens at Chitrak on 3rd May

FAYZA HAQ
AHMED Nazir's solo exhibition of approximately fifty works begins at Gallery Chitrak on 3rd May. He says, "sure, my father , Safiuddin's works had some impressionable impact on me since I was a child as that was inevitable at first , but I have chosen a style of my own as I want people to know me for myself and not for my father. The change within me came by itself as I made no conscious effort of my own. I have never tried to use my father's influence in my career. Meanwhile my mother, who did plenty of exquisite embroidery, gave me a lot of support and encouraged me in every possible way. I had my father's guidance and then there was Mohammed Kibria, Shahid Kabir and Monirul Islam to be inspired by. Others like Kalidas Karmakar and Rokeya Sultana have also stirred me by their prints".
Asked if his works were abstract , Ahmed Nazir says, "My work is based on nature and I have exaggerated or simplified the details , wrapped in the rhythm and harmony in my work. We cannot draw or paint something which we cannot see or visualize. What appears like abstract in enlargement is not such a farfetched figment of the imagination or indiscriminate scratching of lines or splashing of paint. There are some elements that is taken from the thought processes and memory or even the subconscious mind . Imagination does combine with my work as it is not straight realism. Even in realistic and impressionistic works of others the imaginative power does work to make them successful pieces of work. Thus I've brought in dreams and innermost feelings and aspirations in my prints."
Talking about the themes of his
present exhibits, Ahmed Nazir says, " Last time I concentrated on the moon . This time I've brought in samples of all my work from the beginning till 2002. Thus I've dealt with Pahela Baishakh , the floods, the Chittagong cyclone, the Freedom Movement and a series called 'War file' which deals with wars in general. There are both figurative and non figurative works. I have brought in folk motif also. There are colography, dry point, etching, mezzotint, lithography etc. I went into prints perhaps because since my childhood I have been surrounded by prints. When I used to study at the Fine Arts Institute I was particularly drawn to the Print Department. I enjoy print as there is a lot of scope of experimenting and joy of suspense as the colours take shape and form. Sometimes what I have done is not satisfactory and then I have to think out how to improve the work and this gives pleasure. Meanwhile, the more I work the more it appears that I need to learn more when at first, after the conventional classes I thought I knew all that was to know. Having completed my work I might feel satisfied yet a week later that work may give no sense
of satisfaction. Thus 'I have miles to go'. When I did small pieces I used my father's original machine, which is now an antique piece as it was the first printing machine of its kind in Bangladesh, but later I used the big machine."
In a lithography we see the face of a woman with tiny lips in front. This face is almost like mask which is pink while the eyes and eyebrows are outlined in black. The cascading hair too is black while there are splashes of gray, beige, orange and white in front. In another lithography piece we see a face in red with black eyes with dots and splashes in gray all over. It has black bars on top, side and in the forefront. In one of the series of the "War file" we see a skull with its mouth open and tormented sockets of the eyes. At the sides are gray, black and brown and the subject is self is outlined in gray and black.
In one of the pieces of the "Dream", series, an etching, we see a round ball which is in gray, brown and beige. There is a mask in the background with the face and nose being visible . This is in beige and contains lines and squiggles, rectangles and triangles which are held in a frame.
Beyond the frame are motifs of wood panels with rough texture where the wood has been eaten away by age. There are tiny figures of a couple, done in orange, embracing each other and this lends more dimension to the composition. In another creation of the "Dream" series we see rhythmic lines, squiggles and dots which are floating free keeping tune to their own cadence. Rectangles , triangles and circles in orange, gray and black are float-
ing images. As you ponder over it you go into a trance of your own entering your personal flights of imagination.
"With the present social conditions", Ahmed Nazir says, "neither man nor woman is safe wandering around by themselves and in 'Scared we see a young woman apprehensive as to what will take place next, as she is far from home. Her eyes are deep set while her straight hair falls in streaks of gray. Her clothes are
pale in colour and she has an amulet about her neck. There is a suggestion of a face of a man who is following her and around her are geometrical motifs that enhance the beauty of the composition. There is yet another composition that deals with fear. We find a good looking woman with chiseled features almost like that of a Greek statue . Around her are lines and forms in gray and black. At the side is her worried profile with twisted lips ,waiting with apprehension.
There is then the composition of the flood situation when people are marooned and cannot get adequate food or shelter. In "Confined" you see three elongated characters done in gray, green and brown. These emaciated people are in the conventional sari and "lungi". Their marooned homes are in the backdrop while water has collected in the forefront. The rest of the details have been done in beige and brown.
In the "Moon" series there is a creation with circles and orbs in shades of gray with flecks of blue and white . There are faces which are almost human and are presented in a geometrical manner. There is a vermilion dot signifying
force at the side. "These are the dreams where men forget their pain and suffering by day. Thus the effect is that of a rain washed scene that is pristine and memorable," Ahmed Nazir says. In another creation of the "Dream" series there are pink, gray and white rectangle containing another rectangle with shades of gold , pink and brown. On top is a floating piece which holds other forms in pink and yellow. On top and at the bottom are two triangular shapes in gray with a touch of red. The rest of the paper is left blank.
In another example of the "Dream" series we see images that are blurred and beautiful. Here there are pile upon pile of forms in green and brown leading to each other . You can trace out parts of human forms and at times blossoms and clouds. There is white in front while a grayish cloak with emerald tints covers the composition . A scarlet line balances the twirling and swirling forms.
Ahmed Nazir's exhibition is a mind- boggling display of mastery over various mediums, presenting manifold subjects of interest.