Today marks the seventh death anniversary of painter, sculptor, cultural figure, entrepreneur and a hero of the Liberation War, Nitun Kundu.
Kundu graduated from Dacca Art College (at present the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka) in 1959. Apart from being a sculptor, he was also a painter and was recognised for both his abstract and realistic works.
During the Liberation War, Kundu worked with veteran painter Quamrul Hassan for the Public Relations department of the then Bangladesh Government-in exile at Mujibnagar. Some of his posters during the war earned him wide recognition. Most popular of these include “Shoda Jagrato Banglar Muktibahini”, “Amra Shobai Bangali” and “Banglar Bir Muktijoddha”.
Among his sculptures, “Shabash Bangladesh” and “The SAARC Fountain” are much acclaimed. With his designs, Kundu wanted to present complex structures in simple atmosphere. His metal-based works have an air of modernism and the designs have enriched the Bangladeshi contemporary art scenario.
Kundu was also known for his furniture designs. Wood and metal both were main ingredients of his works. He was the founder of Otobi and received several awards throughout his illustrious career, including Ekushey Padak, National Film Award, President Gold Cup and The Daily Star-DHL Best Entrepreneur Award.