Author: Takir Hossain
Over the last four decades, Hamiduzzaman has been constantly trying to give a new language and fresh shape to his works. When we closely observe Hamiduzzaman’s creations, we can easily recognise his preference for various unfamiliar and familiar forms. He likes to play with nature, form and structural orientations.
One need hardly say that Hamiduzzaman Khan is one of the pre-eminent modern sculptors in our country and naturally already holds a distinguished position in our sub-continent. He is an earnest sculptor who has carved a path distinctly for his own in our art arena with significant forms, themes and variations of work. He tries to focus on diverse forms and shapes, with the particular message that we are an inseparable part of nature, and nature always comes up with a way to survive.
As a sculptor, Hamiduzzaman is distinguished for his theme-oriented sculptures. Upon careful examination of his works, one finds that the artist tries to merge forms with local materials. Sculptures on display at the exhibition are made from bronze, steel, white granite and marble along with marble de carara. He depicts several circles, semi-circles and three-quarter circles in a way that symbolises planets of the solar system. Many of his works are based on bronze, where he has focused on seated figures, human figures in motion, pure forms, animal, bird forms and geometric compositions. His composition is styled with geometric shapes and lines. His works delve deep into botanical motifs like seeds, roots, foliages and human visages (symbolically) as well as numerous indigenous forms. The sculptor is fascinated by nature and its varied puzzling phases, mainly because he is a nature lover. The works also reflect the artist’s inner feelings, his memories and thoughts. They bring together his dynamism in sculpture in a way unlike any other medium he uses.
Hamiduzzaman is a versatile and dedicated artist. He has also tried his hands on painting. His water colours are inspiring and reflect the workings of a mature mind. An imaginative painter, he is always searching for the mysterious chapter of creation in his voyages through the vast diverse ocean of nature. His inspired images evoke a symbiotic relationship with nature, a marriage of landscape and a vision that enables the artist to use nature’s most elegant palettes and views with advantage. The different phases in Hamiduzzaman’s work can easily be identified. He has been able to create a new language, working with colours, lines and some sculptural and architectural images. Some of his prime works are concerned with form, which remind us of his sculptural backdrop.
Hamiduzzaman has internalised the inner essence of nature in many of his works. What is noteworthy is how he musters a deep capacity to feel and respond to the beauty of nature in his works. Celebration of colours and lines has created a new emotional and psychological depth in his works. His works are distinctive for aesthetic balance. His paintings (acrylic on canvas) and watercolours seem to be a flowing stream. He has tried to capture the mystery of nature and its different phases.
Hamiduzzaman’s semi-abstraction of landscape, and the transparency of the watercolour technique, enhances his use of the background as a romantic view. His space is hierarchical in that the most important forms take precedence by position rather than by perspective, resulting in abstract relationships. Sensual colours and remarkable theme have given a different look to his creations. His works (particularly watercolours) have highlighted greenery, rural panorama, cloudy sky, deep forest and hills. At times, shadow and blurred forms appear in his watercolours. Solitude and serenity are two vital components in his works. The subjects of his works are in a sombre mood and their characteristics are highlighted. Lighting is a prominent feature in the works and the artist generally prefers glowing light and mystifying setting.
Hamiduzzaman’s quiet and intensely contemplative landscape contains a symbolism that alludes to peace and hope in nature. He produces plein air watercolour and focuses his attention on impressive phenomena such as soft light and drizzle, which reflects his study on landscape.
Hamiduzzaman’s paintings (acrylic on canvas) highlight thick colours and rough textures. It should be mentioned that the artist has been greatly influenced by abstract expressionism (particularly paintings) where unintentional, sturdy brushstrokes characterise the works. Sometimes, he has deliberately created profound texture according to the paintings’ requirements.
Originally published on The Daily Observer, on 24 December 2018.
