In the midst of a crisis where art is striving to carve a niche in the global arena, a book on art, titled Kibria was recently launched to make for a smoother path.

The work takes a close look at painter Mohammad Kibria, providing a retrospective of his works and the first series of the books on eminent artists.

The 242-page illustrated book, has been published by the Society for Promotion of Bangladesh Art (SPBA), sponsored by the Grameenphone and the Khairul Kabir Foundation, and printed by BRAC Printers. The book is designed by the artist himself and his son Juneer Kibria.

Set up in 2002, the SPBA seeks to promote Bangladeshi arts, paintings and sculptures globally. A non-profit organisation, it aims to give national artists and their work a platform.

Though Bangladeshi art itself, has attained a certain standArtt unfortunately it has not received the global recognition it deserves. On personal levels, several painters like Zainul Abedin, Quamrul Hasan, Mohammad Kibria, Qayyum Chowdhury, Debdas Chakrabarti, Shahbuddin and others have obtained international acclaim, but overall national art lacks a foothold in the international art scene.

At present, the global art market is upbeat, and the artworks of our neighbouring countries - India

and China -- are high priced. In this scenario, Bangladeshi art is dealing with several issues.

The society revealed that they aim to print more books featuring the photography and information of the eminent artists of the country, in order to keep a record of the contemporary art of Bangladesh. It has taken three years to publish the book, Kibria. Thanks must also go to art lovers who have allowed photographing Kibria's paintings from their personal collection.

The Chief Adviser, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, was present as the chief guest at the book launch. In his speech, the Chief Adviser said that the government is interested in promoting the country's art and culture to the

world as Bangladesh takes pride in its thousand-year-old rich and vibrant traditions. Ue also assured the guests that he would look into the unfinished construction of the gallery at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Among others, Mohammad Kibria, 79; eminent artist Qayyum Chowdhury; Elthem Kabir, chairman of the SPBA and Anders Jensen, chief executive officer of the Grameenphone also spoke at the booklaunch.

The speakers pointed out that exchange of such art books among dignitaries would give them an access to the art scene in our country. In particular, the Bangladesh embassies all over the world, whose fundamental goal is to enhance the image of Bangladesh, must promote such art books so that any person or organisation interested in Bangladeshi art can get a glimpse of the traditional and current art works of the country.

An overwhelmed Kibria, the pioneer of the contemporary art movement in Bangladesh, said that the publication of the book at this stage of his life has inspired him to paint once more.

However, there are tough hurdles to cross. An art patron cannot single-handedly promote these works globally. Other stakeholders must include the artists, the art promoting organisations, the patrons, the art auction bidders,• • the corporate companies andithe government. First of all, the government must formulate policies to inspire and financially support the artists. A few positive policies will ensure a smooth journey for the painters and artists. With such focussed efforts, Bangladeshi art should soon obtain its due recognition in the contemporary global art arena.

The writer is a freelance contributor