A book containing the artworks of artist Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, titled ‘Maksuda Iqbal Nipa – Episodes of Her Gaze’ was launched at the ongoing Dhaka Art Summit 2018’s BMW Lounge in Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Tuesday, report UNB.

Published by Cosmos Books, the launching ceremony was attended by Professor Nazrul Islam, art critic Javed Jalil and Director of Cosmos Group, Masud Jamil Khan.

A talk followed the launching ceremony, where they talked about the life and art of the artist.

Professor Nazrul Islam commented that Nipa is one of the most talented artists of the country.

“We tend to forget about the artist when witnessing their artwork but while observing Nipa’s works, one can converse with her through her paintings,” he added.

He compared Nipa to another legendary artist in the country, Mohammad Kibria, and said that the book contains testimonies by many critics about how fantastic her work is.

Artist and art writer Javed Jalil said that Nipa’s private colour coders are her motifs of insight into her ‘gaze’, and from the under lying entities they translate into the visible on canvas.

Masud Jamil Khan went on to say that Cosmos Books was honoured to publish a book about her, as her works are a searing testament to the depth of human imagination.

 “Cosmos Books has been working closely with Gallery Cosmos with the aim to discover, preserve and exhibit Bangladesh literary and artistic works onto an international platform,” he added.

He further informed that their publishing house has previously published ‘Life and Works of Alakesh Ghosh’, ‘Art Against Terrorism-Brave Heart’, ‘BOATS – A Treasure of Bangladesh’ and many other publications. Many more publications will be out in future.

Stressing on the establishment of more galleries and thanking Cosmos Foundation, Maksuda Iqbal Nipa said, “Painting is an integral part of my life. I do not work based on a specific form. My surrounding always influenced me to change the way of work.”

She also urged for more patronisation of the art and culture scene as they play a vital part in promoting artists.

Maksuda Iqbal Nipa completed her M.Ed. in Fine Art (Painting) from Aichi University of Education, Japan.

She has held numerous solo and group shows at home and abroad.

She has been honoured by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad for her outstanding contribution to art.

 Nipa has received numerous awards and grants from Japan, China and Bangladesh. 

Photo : jaki zaman