Md Rafiqul Islam: Weaving Humanity’s Story Through Art

September 11th, 2023 09:00 PM

Md Rafiqul Islam is a young and dynamic printmaker hailing from Bangladesh, currently serving as a Lecturer at the Fine Arts Department of Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh. His academic journey includes the completion of an MFA in Graphic Art (Printmaking) at Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan in 2019, and another MFA in Printmaking at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka in 2016. Prior to these achievements, he obtained a BFA in Printmaking from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka in 2014.

In addition to his academic commitments, Md. Rafiqul Islam passionately maintains his private printmaking studio, a creative sanctum where he meticulously crafts his art. Here, he exclusively employs the intaglio method, a versatile technique that includes processes like etching and aquatint. Rafiqul Islam’s precise choice of materials further defines his artistic process, with aluminum plates as his preferred canvas and a meticulously concocted mixture of copper sulfate and sodium chloride as his medium of choice. This precise combination of materials and techniques forms the foundation for his exceptional artworks, breathing life into his unique artistic vision.

Rafiqul Islam’s artistic journey is a profound exploration of the human condition and the world we inhabit, standing as a powerful testament to his artistic vision and the passionate themes he explores. What sets him apart is his remarkable versatility across various printmaking techniques, including etching, aquatint, platography, cyanotype, and cyanotype with gum-print. These diverse mediums serve as tools to amplify the messages conveyed in his artworks, showcasing his adaptability and innovative approach as an artist. Through these varied means, he brings his ideas to life in captivating ways.

At the core of Rafiqul Islam’s art lies a profound commitment to social commentary. His works act as a mirror to society, reflecting its issues, challenges, and concerns. Through his art, he confronts and addresses the complexities of social reality, shedding light on subjects that are often overlooked or forgotten. It is evident that his art serves as a manifestation of his deep concern for the state of society, encouraging viewers to contemplate the world around them.

A prominent recurring theme in Rafiqul Islam’s art is his unwavering advocacy for peace and humanity. His artist’s statement underscores the primacy of peace over war, serving as a guiding principle for his exhibitions. His art becomes a medium through which he expresses his strong humanitarian perspective, advocating for unity and harmony in a world that often seems troubled and fragmented. He employs his artistic talents to communicate his views on humanity’s relationship with development and mechanization, challenging viewers to reassess their roles in this intricate tapestry of existence.

Visual storytelling is a hallmark of Rafiqul Islam’s artworks. He crafts narratives through his art, adeptly incorporating stylistic depictions of machines, wheels, nuts, bolts, and screws, juxtaposed with tiny human figures. This striking visual contrast serves to underscore the profound significance of human beings within the broader context of our ever-evolving world. His art urges viewers to engage deeply, to observe, and to reflect on the intricate stories he weaves on each canvas.

One of his notable solo Print Exhibitions, titled ″Transformation,″ was held at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2019. While it primarily delves into the theme of mechanization and its impact on society, Rafiqul Islam also includes subjects that resonate with the essence of Bangladeshi art. Natural landscapes, boats, and scenes of rural life provide a contrasting backdrop to the exhibition’s central theme. These subjects serve as a poignant reminder of the simplicity and natural beauty that persist amidst the tumultuous march of industrialization and development. Rafiqul Islam invites viewers to contemplate the potential dystopian consequences of unchecked progress and the imperative for harmony between human endeavors and the environment.

Md Rafiqul Islam has garnered an impressive array of awards and accolades on his career as a printmaker and artist. Highlights include achieving the Best Printmaking Award in the 6th Dooars Annual An International Art Exhibition 2022 and securing the top prize in the Berger Young Painter’s Art Competition the same year. He also received the prestigious Kali Artist Residency Grant in 2022, further showcasing his artistic prowess. In 2021, he earned an Honorable Mention Award from the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and an Honorable Award from IWS California, USA. These are just a few among numerous awards and recognitions that testify to his exceptional talent and dedication to the world of art.

Md Rafiqul Islam is an artist whose diverse printmaking techniques serve as a potent tool for conveying thought-provoking messages about the complex tapestry of social reality, humanity’s place within it, and the consequences of unbridled mechanization and development. His art stands as a testament to his strong humanitarian perspective, advocating for peace and equilibrium between progress and nature. Through his compelling and visually captivating artworks, Rafiqul Islam engages viewers in profound reflection on the choices we make as a society and the world we aspire to create.