17th National Art Biennale '07 begins
Ten artists awarded
Ershad Kamol
The much-awaited National Art Biennale was inaugurated yesterday at the National Art Gallery, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The month-long 17th National Art Biennale was inaugurated by Ayub Quadri, advisor to the Ministries of Education, Primary and Mass Education and Cultural Affairs. The exhibition is on till July 16 and features 373 artworks by 247 artists. On the occasion a discussion was held at the National Theatre Stage. Ayub Quadri was the chief guest and veteran artist Aminul Islam was the special guest at the programme. The discussion was chaired by the director general of BSA Quamrul Hassan, ndc. Director of Department of Art, BSA, M Nazrul Haque delivered the welcome speech. Briefing the initiatives of the department, Haque said, "Our aim is to bridge traditional with contemporary art forms of the world." Artist Aminul Islam, who is also the convenor of the jury committee, said, "It's really difficult to select the best from about 1,300 artworks in different mediums. To me all the participants deserve awards." DG of BSA, Quamrul Hassan, said, "The National Art Biennale reflects the current scenario of Bangladeshi art. I am amazed by the potentials and innovation of our artists who are participating in the biennale. Besides, the familiar forms, they have presented technology-based artworks like digital painting and video illustrations. I believe, the exhibition maintains the standard of any international biennale." Ayub Quadri said, "We have made several infra-structural developments. Now, is the time to patronise our vibrant art forms." Ten artists were awarded by BSA and other private organisations at the 17th National Art Biennale. Debashish Pal, for his "Contemporary Portrait of Bangladesh - 3", won the BSA Grand prize worth BDT 51,000. The BSA Honorable Mention Awards went to Tarique Zulfikar for "Simulacrum - 2", Amirul Mominin Chowdhury for "Nuhash" and the "Alien - 32" and Ashraful Hassan for "Tree-man" and "Wall - 3". The Deepa Haque Award went to Gulshan Hossain for her innovative work, "Archaeological Report of Romeo and Juliet - 2". Shahinur Rahman for his installation "Zero: The Primary Unit" received the Bengal Foundation Award. For "Justice", Khalid Mahmud Mithu won the Arab Bangladesh Bank Award. Winner of Shah AMS Kibria Award is Uttam Kumar Roy for "Target We and I - 35". Ahmed Shamsuddoha, for "Aim - 1", won the GrameenPhone Award. Faruk Ahmed is the winner of Azizunnesa Fine Arts Award for "Composition - 2".
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Advisor Ayub Quadri (seated 2nd from left) seen with the prize winners of National Art Biennale '07 (back row) |
