Tajuddin Ahmed

Experienced, but still experimenting

Tajuddin Ahmed, 60, is an artist who has been active in the Bangladeshi art scene for more than three decades now. His themes include mythology, nature, human relationships, nostalgia and culture of lively Old Dhaka.
Soon after his graduation in 1980, Tajuddin opened his own gallery, Tivoli Art Gallery, in Dhaka. Nowadays, the Dhaka-born artist lives and works in Canada. He recently returned to his hometown for his 10th solo exhibition, ‘ReDISCOVERY’, held at EDGE Gallery in Gulshan. The Weekend Independent caught up with him for an interview.  

How did you get started as an artist?

I was interested in painting from a very early age. I have to mention that my parents played a big role in this. When I was in class 7, they arranged for an art teacher for me. I graduated in Fine Arts from Dhaka University in 1980. Soon after that, I opened an art gallery.  

What medium do you like to work with?

I used to work a lot with oil. Nowadays, most of my works are done in acrylic. Normally, I work with nature and modern landscapes.
Have your techniques changed over the years?

Yes, my techniques have changed over the years. For a couple of years now, I have been doing some experimental work. If one looks at one of my experimental works, he or she will think it is a print work, but actually it’s done with oil on paper. Many teachers and students who came to visit my latest exhibition were delighted to see a new medium being introduced in Bangladesh. A few students wanted to do a workshop with me on this. I have not confirmed anything at the moment, but if I get some time, then I will certainly do it.     

Please tell us about your biggest achievement so far.

I did a painting couple of years back. It’s huge, 9 feet by 16 feet. I consider this as one of my biggest achievements.  

Describe your typical day. Do you have a routine?

I live in Canada now and after moving there, I spend more time painting. When I used to live in Bangladesh, I used to work at night as I did not have much time during the day. In Canada, I teach art to children in a school, for a couple of hours, twice a week. I do not do anything else there, that’s why I get more time to concentrate on my work.     

What’s your take on the present art market in Bangladesh?

I believe the art market in Bangladesh is heading in a positive direction. I have my own gallery, so I have experience in this field. After the 1990s, the art market here started to develop more. Particularly over the last 10 years, the number of art collectors has increased dramatically.

What’s next for you?

Many of my clients are asking me to do some large paintings. Also, I want to carry on with my experimental work.

Tajuddin Ahmed

Experienced, but still experimenting

Tajuddin Ahmed, 60, is an artist who has been active in the Bangladeshi art scene for more than three decades now. His themes include mythology, nature, human relationships, nostalgia and culture of lively Old Dhaka. Soon after his graduation in 1980, Tajuddin opened his own gallery, Tivoli Art Gallery, in Dhaka. Nowadays, the Dhaka-born artist lives and works in Canada. He recently returned to his hometown for his 10th solo exhibition, ReDISCOVERY, held at EDGE Gallery in Gulshan. The Weekend Independent caught up with him for an interview. How did you get started as an artist? I was interested in painting from a very early age. I have to mention that my parents played a big role in this. When I was in class 7, they arranged for an art teacher for me. I graduated in Fine Arts from Dhaka University in 1980. Soon after that, I opened an art gallery. What medium do you like to work with? I used to work a lot with oil. Nowadays, most of my works are done in acrylic. Normally, I work with nature and modern landscapes. Have your techniques changed over the years? Yes, my techniques have changed over the years. For a couple of years now, I have been doing some experimental work. If one looks at one of my experimental works, he or she will think it is a print work, but actually its done with oil on paper. Many teachers and students who came to visit my latest exhibition were delighted to see a new medium being introduced in Bangladesh. A few students wanted to do a workshop with me on this. I have not confirmed anything at the moment, but if I get some time, then I will certainly do it. Please tell us about your biggest achievement so far. I did a painting couple of years back. Its huge, 9 feet by 16 feet. I consider this as one of my biggest achievements. Describe your typical day. Do you have a routine? I live in Canada now and after moving there, I spend more time painting. When I used to live in Bangladesh, I used to work at night as I did not have much time during the day. In Canada, I teach art to children in a school, for a couple of hours, twice a week. I do not do anything else there, thats why I get more time to concentrate on my work. Whats your take on the present art market in Bangladesh? I believe the art market in Bangladesh is heading in a positive direction. I have my own gallery, so I have experience in this field. After the 1990s, the art market here started to develop more. Particularly over the last 10 years, the number of art collectors has increased dramatically. Whats next for you? Many of my clients are asking me to do some large paintings. Also, I want to carry on with my experimental work.