The famous troika of Bangladesh art Zainul Abedin (1914-1976), Quamrul Hassan (1921-1988) and S M Sultan (1923-1994) have laid the foundation of modernism in our art. Zainul Abedin reverently called the Shilpacharya or the guru of art, is the architect of modern art movement in Bangladesh that began with the setting up of the Government Art Institute in 1948. For his visionary qualities and artistic achievements, he has always been the undisputed leader of our artist community. Quamrul Hassan played a leading role in establishing the Art Institute with the Shilpacharya. The East Pakistan Small and Cottage Industries was established under his leadership in 1960. The muscular sinewy village folk appearing in SM Sultan’s paintings contrast strongly with the emaciated and weak figures that people rural Bengal. The ensuing tension between expectation and reality, exploitation and justice, violence and contentment, sets the tone for his epic narratives. The works of the three major painters were culled from Abul Khair’s collection.

Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts

Date: 12/02/2002 – 07/02/2002
Entry condition: open to all