Charupith
An art centre in the heart of Jessore
by Hasanul Banna Joy
Many people in Jessore are unaware that there is an independent art research centre right in their town.
The centre, Charupith Institute of Fine Arts, dominates the art scene of the southern part of the country, and it is one of the few art institutions located outside the capital.
Inspired by the philosophy and vision of legendary artist SM Sultan, Charupiths journey began in 1985. Sultan had a key role in establishing the art centre. He was the chief advisor of Charupith until his death in 1994. The centre recently observed the maestros 21st death anniversary on its premises at Munshi Meherullah Road.
Through the years, Charupith has flourished thanks to the sincere efforts of artist Mahbub Jamal Shamim, the founding principal of the research centre. He has been working in this institute since 1985 and striving with great dedication to popularise fine arts in the region.
Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin guided the Bengali nation in appreciating modern art since 1948. Unfortunately, the practice of modern art was only limited to Dhaka at the time. Charupith was established to decentralise the study of fine arts, and spread the light of art, culture and heritage among the general people. In 1994, Charupith was presented with a land and a building in Jessore town by the government, Shamim told this reporter.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Charupith is one of the cultural heritages of Bangladesh. When our people had little knowledge about modern art, Charupith was established with the theme: all of lifes activities are connected to art.
The institute has managed to mould and guide many young artists. It highlights works by emerging artists, providing a sense of continuity in terms of style in the development of art in the country. The centre also promotes sculpture as an art form.
It aims to advance and build up a better society by encouraging art. It also has a purpose to nurture and promote Bangladeshi art, Shamim said.
In 2013, Charupith was invited to the prestigious Venice Art Biennale, a contemporary visual art festival held every two years in the Italian city. Three artists from Charupith _ Lala Rukh Selim, Moklesur Rahman Mahbub and Shamim, _ took part in the exhibition, presenting contemporary arts from Bangladesh,
We did not have money to take part in the international exhibition. The Biennale Foundation, the organiser of the festival, paid all our expenses. So, we went to Venice. It was a big experience for us to participate in such a great event, Shamim said.
Charupith has been involved in many activities over the past three decades, including establishing art schools for children, the Sultan Fine Arts College, the Charupith art library-cum- resource centre and an annual festive rally to welcome Pahela Boishakh.
Inspired by Shamim, Charupith launched the Mongol Shovajatra tradition in 1986. Now, it has become a major part of Bangla New Year festivities and every year, many renowned artists visit the town to celebrate.
The centre has been providing arts education to children by setting up art schools in urban as well as rural areas of the south. Charupith runs the main school, Shishuvuban Biddyapith, and coordinates the others.
The children of the art schools regularly participate in different competitions, workshops and exhibitions. Since 1985, more than 7,500 students have graduated, Shamim said.
Since 2003, Charupith has been offering a residential art fellowship to young and promising artists--the first of its kind in Bangladesh. Artists Rajiuddin Chowdhury and Rashid Amin were the first fellows.
Also in 2003, Charupith opened a gallery on its premises, with a successful inaugural exhibition, Somomon-Shohojon. It is the first art gallery in the region.
We are thinking of building a sculpture garden. We need to develop our library as well. Apart from these, we have many other plans for the development of Charupith, said Shamim, who is also a noted sculptor.
Photos: Abdul Mannan
