Organizing an art exhibition featuring a single painting can be both elegant and risky. While it may be considered unique due to its rarity, it is not an entirely new concept in the history of art. The risk lies in the traditional expectation of showcasing multiple paintings in an exhibition, shaping the audience’s perception accordingly.
However, if one painting has the impact of a thousand, then the potential for success becomes evident. Especially when the artist is Mansur Ul Karim, there is no need for doubt. Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin was a pioneer in making such bold decisions in the post-partition art history of our country. His famous scroll paintings like ‘Nabanna’ and ‘Monpura’ were displayed widely during his lifetime, showcasing a unique style different from traditional folk art.
Historians suggest that Zainul Abedin might have been inspired by his experiences in Japan to adopt the horizontal scroll format, although he was also familiar with the Ajanta cave paintings. Mansur Ul Karim, who learned under Zainul Abedin, not only inherited the scroll format but also the essence of rural Bengal evident in his work.
The monochromatic painting ‘Swadesh Amar’ by Mansur Ul Karim, depicting scenes from life, is reminiscent of Zainul Abedin’s ‘Dui Mukh’ (1976) painted solely in black, capturing the essence of death. It is a testament to the legacy of a skilled teacher and a dedicated student, preserving a blessed tradition of art education.
Sanjay Chakrabarty
Artist
I have been learning the art of painting from him since my childhood, and there has always been a special bond between us. Apart from this personal connection, he is both my favorite teacher and artist. Mansur Ul Karim is an artist who delves deep into the world of colors and lines. The memories of his childhood and youth spent among common folks, the essence of the soil, and the passage of time are all reflected in his artwork.
His personal philosophy has had a profound impact on his art more than anything contemporary. The experiences he has had over time have become the focal point of his creations. At times, he conveys his thoughts through bold lines, while colors serve as his personal diary. With just a few strokes of color and lines on a blank canvas, he effortlessly captures a wide array of images, showcasing the vibrancy of rural life. Sometimes, the formless layers of paint symbolize the complex state of his mind. He constantly seeks to reinvent himself through his art, exploring new series and unveiling different facets of his persona.
As an artist, his artistic foundation are highly regarded by his audience. As a teacher, he exudes a vibrant energy reminiscent of the old masters. Despite being well versed in various painting styles, he empathizes with the struggles of his students. His studio is always open to students, understanding that learning knows no bounds. Many budding artists have flourished under his guidance. Mansur Ul Karim, known for his immersive artistry, generous teaching style, and humble demeanor, holds a special place in my heart. I am deeply indebted to his artistic legacy.
Lucifer Laila
Artist
“the moment when a vessel of life anchored at… The image conveyed – such a friend’’… My exchange with the renowned artist Mansur Ul Karim initiated with his words. I sent him a friendship request on Facebook, and I was amazed by the artist’s generous artistic expression through words.
That day, my heart swelled with gratitude towards the artist Mansur Ul Karim for the honor he bestowed upon me. The memory of a famous artist acknowledging the work of an ordinary artist like myself will forever stay with me.
In 2019, I had the opportunity to view a painting by artist Mansur Ul Karim for the first time at Chitrobhasha Gallery in Chittagong. I was truly impressed, especially knowing that Mansur Ul Karim was the mentor of artist Moinul Alam, director of the said gallery. Upon returning to Kolkata, I felt a strong urge to explore more of his artwork. Subsequently, I began to admire his creations through the lens of my trusted search engine, Google, and was captivated by the depth and sincerity conveyed in his paintings.
After the pandemic of 2020 forced me into a voluntary retirement from my life-fighting work, I found myself with some spare time on my hands. I decided to revisit his work and mustered up the courage to send him a friend request on Facebook. He appreciated my work and shared his opinion, which was a much-needed boost during a time of immense mental tension. As someone who primarily works in monochrome, creating figurative abstract pieces, I suddenly found myself surrounded by monotony. I yearned to break free, to try something different, to feel a sense of insecurity. His friendly demeanor gave me the courage to reach out and have a conversation with him. To my surprise, he alleviated all my doubts and generously offered me advice that day. One crucial thing he said that has stayed with me is, “New path, new thinking, new life, new light.” My mind felt content, I felt enriched and enlightened, and I managed to overcome all my hesitations and start afresh. I expressed my gratitude by telling him, ‘I wholeheartedly accept you as my mentor.’ Upon seeing news of my family contracting COVID-19 on social media, he reached out multiple times to check on me, leaving me overwhelmed with gratitude. We spoke on the phone two more times, each conversation lasting 30-40 minutes.
We delved into discussions about watercolor, oil, acrylic, and all kinds of artwork. His passion for weaving was particularly captivating! He said, “come try weaving, you can bring your friends along. You can work with pictures, clay, anything.’’ I responded, “I must admit, the temptation to try weaving is strong. Once the world is free from the grips of the pandemic, I will visit your weaving studio with my paintbrush empire and immerse myself in painting. That would be an absolute blessing, and I am already one-step ahead!’’
Sometime, an entire lifetime were dedicated to welcoming people into one’s heart, while in other instances; certain individuals occupy a profound space in the heart despite a brief seven-month guru-disciple relationship, a sentiment that is uniquely personal and enduring. Dear Sir, though you now rest in eternal slumber, your legacy lives on perpetually through your works and the individuals you have influenced, making you a cherished offspring of this land. Warm regards.
Rupali Roy
Artist
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