In Conversation with artist Ariful Islam

Ariful Islam, 29, is an award-winning young artist. He has participated in more than 15 group exhibitions and recently, held his first solo exhibition ‘Avumi’ at Shilpangan Gallery in Dhanmondi. He has won many awards over the years, including the Grand Prix in International Children’s Art Competition in China, first prize in Samsul Huda Painting Contest, and Watercolour Media Award in Charukala Annual Exhibition. Besides being a professional artist, he is also a lecturer at Narayanganj Charukala Institute. The Weekend Independent recently talked to him about his work and future plans.  

 
How long have you been an artist and what inspired you?

I always had a great interest towards painting. That is why my parents got me admitted to Shishu Academy. There I completed a three- year course and won some awards as well. After my HSC exams, I took admission in the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. Since I always wanted to become an artist, I made sure to do well academically. I completed my graduation in 2009 and got First Class First in my BA programme. For my result, I received the UGC (University Grants Commission) Best Result Award in 2010. My parents always encouraged me to do the things I liked. They also wanted me to become a painter.  

What does art mean to you? 

Art is a medium of conveying thoughts. I always try to portray whatever I observe, things I feel inside my heart, my creativity and my views through my work.     

What medium do you like to work with?

I prefer to work with watercolour, that’s my main medium. Watercolour holds a special place in my heart. 

Please tell us about your routine.

I work all the time. Let me tell you when I don’t work _ usually from 12pm to 2pm.

How do you come up with ideas for new paintings?

I tend to work with subjects like heritage, landscape and nature, especially of Old Dhaka. I try to depict the everyday struggles of the common people _ how they work so hard all day long, but get so little at the end of the day, yet they do it day in and day out.   

Please tell us about your recent first solo exhibition.

I am very happy with my first solo exhibition. I had to work a long time for it. There were 34 paintings on display and most of them were landscape, nature and paintings of Old Dhaka. Out of all the paintings, eight were sold.  

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

I believe the people of our country are becoming more enthusiastic about investing in art. Today, people just don’t buy a painting because they find it to be fancy, rather they give importance to the creativity and the message hidden in the painting. But it’s not easy for everyone to earn a living just by painting. You can always have a day job, for example, I work at Narayanganj Charukala Institute. I believe working as a lecturer in the institute’s graphic design department is actually helping me to develop my painting skills. To become a professional and good painter, you always need to practise and my job allows me to do that. 

Please tell us about your biggest achievements.

I believe my academic result is one of my biggest achievements. Other than that, I have won some awards. For example, in the Berger Young Painters’ Art Competition 2010, I became 4th, and I won first prize in Samsul Huda Painting Contest. I also won the Watercolour Media Award at Charukala Annual Exhibition

What’s next for you?

I hope to do some experimental work in the future. Next year, I have a plan to do another solo exhibition. I want to continue my painting and teach at the same time. Hopefully, I will be able to inspire people with my work.

Photos: Courtesy

In Conversation with artist Ariful Islam

Ariful Islam, 29, is an award-winning young artist. He has participated in more than 15 group exhibitions and recently, held his first solo exhibition Avumi at Shilpangan Gallery in Dhanmondi. He has won many awards over the years, including the Grand Prix in International Childrens Art Competition in China, first prize in Samsul Huda Painting Contest, and Watercolour Media Award in Charukala Annual Exhibition. Besides being a professional artist, he is also a lecturer at Narayanganj Charukala Institute. The Weekend Independent recently talked to him about his work and future plans. How long have you been an artist and what inspired you? I always had a great interest towards painting. That is why my parents got me admitted to Shishu Academy. There I completed a three- year course and won some awards as well. After my HSC exams, I took admission in the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. Since I always wanted to become an artist, I made sure to do well academically. I completed my graduation in 2009 and got First Class First in my BA programme. For my result, I received the UGC (University Grants Commission) Best Result Award in 2010. My parents always encouraged me to do the things I liked. They also wanted me to become a painter. What does art mean to you? Art is a medium of conveying thoughts. I always try to portray whatever I observe, things I feel inside my heart, my creativity and my views through my work. What medium do you like to work with? I prefer to work with watercolour, thats my main medium. Watercolour holds a special place in my heart. Please tell us about your routine. I work all the time. Let me tell you when I dont work _ usually from 12pm to 2pm. How do you come up with ideas for new paintings? I tend to work with subjects like heritage, landscape and nature, especially of Old Dhaka. I try to depict the everyday struggles of the common people _ how they work so hard all day long, but get so little at the end of the day, yet they do it day in and day out. Please tell us about your recent first solo exhibition. I am very happy with my first solo exhibition. I had to work a long time for it. There were 34 paintings on display and most of them were landscape, nature and paintings of Old Dhaka. Out of all the paintings, eight were sold. Whats your take on the present art market of Bangladesh? I believe the people of our country are becoming more enthusiastic about investing in art. Today, people just dont buy a painting because they find it to be fancy, rather they give importance to the creativity and the message hidden in the painting. But its not easy for everyone to earn a living just by painting. You can always have a day job, for example, I work at Narayanganj Charukala Institute. I believe working as a lecturer in the institutes graphic design department is actually helping me to develop my painting skills. To become a professional and good painter, you always need to practise and my job allows me to do that. Please tell us about your biggest achievements. I believe my academic result is one of my biggest achievements. Other than that, I have won some awards. For example, in the Berger Young Painters Art Competition 2010, I became 4th, and I won first prize in Samsul Huda Painting Contest. I also won the Watercolour Media Award at Charukala Annual Exhibition Whats next for you? I hope to do some experimental work in the future. Next year, I have a plan to do another solo exhibition. I want to continue my painting and teach at the same time. Hopefully, I will be able to inspire people with my work. Photos: Courtesy