Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts hosted a fortnight-long solo painting exhibition of renowned artist Mahmudul Haque titled, ‘The Dance of Life on the Horizon’ with the inaugural ceremony on 16th May 2008, at 6 PM at Bengal Shilpalaya.

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Hon’ble Advisor for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, was present as chief guest and inaugurated the exhibition. Mr. Syed Manzur Elahi, renowned entrepreneur and former Adviser to the Caretaker Govt. of Bangladesh, and Mr. Kaiser A. Chowdhury, President & Managing Director of AB Bank Ltd. were present as special guests.

Mahmudul Haque’s confident handling of subjects drawn from nature, in the abstract mode, is characterized by a deep emotional sensitivity. The analytical quality of printmaking and the emotive aspect of painting come together in Mahmudul Haque’s canvas in visually stimulating ways. Mahmudul (b. 1945, Bagerhat) graduated from the Government College of Arts and Crafts (1968) and did an MFA from Tsukuba University, Japan (1984). During his stay in Japan he trained extensively in printmaking under Prof. Shiroki Toshiyuki (1981-82). Notable among his awards are the Best Painting Award, Tsuchiura City, Japan (1982), Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award in the 10th National Art Exhibition (1992), consecutive Honourable Mention Awards in the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Asian Biennales (1991-1997), Lalitkala Academy Purchase Award, India (1994), 2nd Prize in the 12th Kuwait International Biennale (1996) and S M Sultan Padak (2006). Mahmudul Haque is a member of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, and a former Director General of the Bangladesh National Museum.

Date: 16.05.2008 – 30.05.2008
Venue: Bengal Shilpalaya
Organiser: Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts