Abdur Razzaque, a leading Bangladeshi artist, was born in 1932 in Shariatpur. He started his career as an artist at the Government Institute of Fine Arts, where he graduated in 1954. However, Razzaque's educational activities did not end there. He furthered his studies outside Bangladesh after becoming a Fulbright scholar. He attended The State University of Iowa, where he trained with the legendary printmaker Mauricio Lasansky. With this, he became the first Bangladeshi to receive a master's degree in Fine Arts, increasing his career ranks.
Contributions to Art and Education
Razzaque's pioneering role in the field of sculpture is a testament to his innovative spirit. He founded the Department of Sculpture at the Government Institute of Arts (now the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Dhaka) in 1965, becoming the first artist to exclusively work in this discipline after the liberation war of Bangladesh. His 18-foot sculpture, 'Jagroto Chowrongi,' a depiction of the valor of the freedom fighters, not only stands out for its size but also for its artistic richness, capturing the national ethos of self-determination that prevailed at that point in history.
Razzaque's collection includes paintings, prints, and sculptures. His shift towards abstract expressionism, known for its robust forms and colors, is a testament to his artistic evolution. His choice of subjects, influenced by his upbringing in Bangladesh, often depicted nature and farmers, adding a unique cultural perspective to his work.
Artistic Philosophy and Style
There was more to nature than what it physically appeared to be, and Razzaque wanted to explore and portray that idea in his work. He accentuated scenes with exaggerated colors in order to emphasize different emotions rather than sticking to a true-to-life representation. He created a variety of different paintings using cement, stone, steel, iron, and bronze, which was creative in itself.
Razzaque's works have not only been displayed extensively at home but also abroad, showcasing his global impact. He has participated in over 75 group shows in countries such as Germany, the USA, India, and Japan, thereby contributing significantly to the global recognition of Bangladeshi art.
Legacy and Recognition of Abdur Razzaque
Abdur Razzaque won a number of known awards during his lifetime, including the Ekushey Padak in 1987. This prestigious award is given to only a handful of people each year. It is one of the highest honors for civilians in Bangladesh for contributions to fine arts. The legacy of importance that he left behind goes on through generations of artists who came after him.
Alongside his skills in the arts, Razzaque was also firm in education. He was a teacher and administrator at the Institute of Fine Arts for a long time, and many were trained to be artists under him. His great interest in talent spotting and grooming can be seen in the number of people who have succeeded and claimed him to be an essential figure in their artistic upbringing.
Abdur Razzaque passed away in 2005 but left a rich legacy that is still a source of encouragement for many artists in Bangladesh and other regions. His groundbreaking endeavor not only Developed the sphere of sculpture but also assisted in the forefilling of the cultural needs of Bangladeshi society through his many forms of art practice. Razzaque was an artist who was always ready to break new ground without losing respect for the past. As such, he is a well-known person in art with achievements that future generations will remember.
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