Artist Rafiqunnabi speaks at the memorial programmePhoto: STAR

DEVDAS Chakraborty, one of the pioneering artists of the country who had made remarkable contribution to creating a movement in the field of fine arts in the 1950s, passed away recently.
Born in 1933 in Faridpur, Chakraborty in his extended career had worked in different mediums. For his mastery in arts, Chakraborty received several prestigious awards including the Ekushey Padak in 1990.
Initially his field of interest was drawing. Eventually, he began painting, particularly in oil and watercolour mediums. His initial works were figurative, and then he shifted to semi-abstracted and abstract. His Poland tour, where he won the first prize at an international workshop in the late 1970s, made a dynamic change in his style. The artist again switched his interest to drawing. Subsequently he also focused in printmaking.
Chakraborty's contribution to our Liberation War was also significant. Under the leadership of Patua Quamrul Hassan, Chakraborty had designed many posters and illustrations highlighting the spirit of Liberation War.
Eminent citizens of the country paid homage to the artist at a memorial programme at the Bakultala, Institute of Fine Arts (IFA) on February 10. The programme began with a rendition of the Tagore song Aguner paroshmoni by the students of IFA.
Professor Anisuzzaman, poet-playwright Syed Shamsul Haque, artist Rafiqunnabi, actor Asaduzzaman Noor, artist Nisar Hossain, Shamsul Wares and others spoke at the programme. Artist Quayyum Chowdhury chaired the programme.
Shamsul Wares said, “Artist Devdas Chakraboty did not believe in boundaries and divisions in the name of religion. He was a humanist. His convictions were apparent in his artworks.”
Artist Nisar Hossain said, “He was very congenial to each and every individual.”
Calling Devdas Chakraboty “a successful artist”, Rafiqunnabi said, “He was very dynamic and popular. He, along with his peers, created a platform for the contemporary artists in our country.”
Focusing on the challenge the artists faced in the 1950s' socio-political scenario, Syed Shamsul Haque said, “We should always remember the contributions of these pioneering artists, who had to overcome the socio-political hurdles in order to develop the fine arts scene in the country.”
Professor Anisuzzaman said, “Chakraboty's works not only featured nature and women, but also the culture of the masses and the rural life.”
Claiming artist Devdas Chakraborty as one of his “good friends”, artist Quayyum Chowdhury said, “Whenever an artist faced any problem Devdas would give him a hand.”