Exhibition: The mesmeric enigma of calligraphy

Najib Tareque is a promising painter who graduated from Institute of Fine Arts (now Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka) in 1987. He has worked as an artist at different Bangla newspapers. Tareque’s earlier works highlighted nature, figures, portraits and sketches. His portraits and figures are semi-realistic and at times surrealistic or impressionistic.

Tareque’s ongoing exhibition features calligraphy and focuses on Islamic spirituality. The exhibition, titled “Iqra—A Painter’s Salute to Reading,” is being held at Impressions Gallery, Standard Chartered Bank Head Office, in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Calligraphic patterns enrich Tareque’s works, most of which are rectangular and oval shaped. Arabic calligraphy is the primary form of Islamic art. For centuries, Arabic calligraphy has remained a symbol of unity and beauty in an abstract form.

Most of Tareque’s works feature vibrant colours, and the backgrounds are moving. The artist has focused on Arabic alphabets and words.

All of Tareque’s works have been done in acrylic. Composition is one of the most important aspects, especially when using diverse forms and shapes.

Tareque’s images look dynamic, enigmatic and encapsulate a vast expanse of the sacred and the meditative. His expressions are understandable and signify the Quranic explanations and their spiritual aspects.

Artworks at the exhibition demonstrate the splendour of Arabic alphabets through vivid colours and lyrical forms.

Tareque has incorporated many elements in his art, which help to denote the vastness of Islam and its uniqueness.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net