When bound by habit, the artist’s work becomes repetitive. The subject of the picture, the method of drawing, the use of colors are all examined and a new work of art is created. Sometimes the artist himself does not know where his work will end up. An artist’s journey is to find something different. Internationally famous painter Monirul Islam spoke about his life and philosophy in the documentary ‘Monir A Portrait of an Artist’.
The documentary ‘Monir A Portrait of an Artist’ on the artist’s life and work was exhibited for the first time at the Liberation War Museum in Agargaon in the capital on Saturday afternoon. Before the start of the exhibition, distinguished artist Mustafa Monowar and artist Monirul Islam gave a welcome speech. Member of Parliament and cultural personality Asaduzzaman Noor, Chairman of Bengal Foundation Abul Khair Leetu, documentary director Ashiq Mustafa and producer Rubaiyat Hossain were present on the stage.
And in the audience were distinguished artist Rafiqun Nabi, trustee of Liberation War Museum Mofidul Haque, Director General of Bengal Foundation Luva Nahid Chowdhury and many other dignitaries.
Artist Monirul Islam was a student of artist Mustafa Monowar in Fine Arts Institute. While reminiscing about that time, artist Mustafa Manowar came up with the story of student Monirul Islam’s painting. He said, his pictures create an atmosphere close to reality and dreams. This artist showed his ability to work with watercolors on large canvases. Mustafa Manowar said, Monirul Islam was devoted to his films even in his youth six decades ago.
The artist himself said that the work of making this 80-minute documentary ‘Monir A Portrait of an Artist’ started in 2015. Director Ashiq Mustafa mentioned that he had the opportunity to see the artist very closely.
The story of artist Monirul Islam’s artistic life, famous for prints, has come up in this documentary. Sometimes he paints in his studio in Dhaka in the country, sometimes he spends time standing by the window of his house in Spain alone. Sometimes talking about the type of drawing paper used in Bangladesh. Ever reached a famous gallery. This narrative documentary captures the vision of the artist. At the end of the 80-minute documentary, the artist said, everything begins and ends in dust. Industry is no exception. Said the artist when he wants to break something or want to look anew; Sometimes he has to wait for a long time. Sometimes something extraordinary happens.
Monirul Islam, an artist particularly famous for his prints, achieved a distinctive style in etching, known in Spain as the ‘School of Moniro’. His solo and collective exhibitions have been shown in many countries of the world. He received the Ekushey Medal in 1999 in Bangladesh. In addition to the National Medal of Spain in 1997, the Cross of the Officer of the Order of Queen Isabella, Spain’s highest honor in 2010, he has received numerous awards.
