Fujisan Artpia promotes Japan-Bangladesh cultural ties
With a call to give a special spotlight on promoting bilateral relations between Japan and other Asian countries, especially Bangladesh, through cross-cultural exchange, the1s t Fujisan Artpia Exhibition at Fujiyoshida Civic Hall in Fujiyoshida city of Japan on Sunday witnessed a vivacious presence of artists, critics and aficionados from the Asian region.
Made by painters and sculptors representing Asian countries, thirty-two artworks, including some that won awards at the Asian Artpic Exhibition held in Japan in March this year, were put on display at the extravaganza of fine arts, organised by Shinkyoku Art Association, Japan, says a press release.
Of the artworks, all depicting Japan’s highest mountain Fujisan, which as the world’s cultural heritage received UNESCO recognition in 2013, three received accolades at the programme.
Among the awardees, celebrated Bangladeshi artist Sharif Ahmed received ‘Grand Award’ while Khushida Eiichi of Japan and FR Bhutal from Bangladesh got other types of awards.
The three award-winning artworks were created presenting three different perspectives- titled ‘Fujibina’ (Meaning Japanese doll) by Khushida, ‘Fujisan Tiger Family’ (Showing the tiger and Fujisan in a close proximity) by FR Bhutan and ‘Fujisan Meisui’ (Meaning good stream water?by Sharif Ahmed.
Addressing inauguration of the event, Irikura Hirobumi, a Fujisan expert, said it is their sincere efforts that brought the top mountain in Japan the recognition of the globe’s cultural heritage and now the modern artists’ role will help it graduate into newer states of fame.
Sugimoto Theko, chief of the governing body of the educational institutions in Yamanashi Prefecture, said the displayed artworks impressed him very much and he hopes that such soulful performance of the creative artists will help further consolidate the existing diplomatic relations between the Asian countries.
He expected a common platform of the artists and art connoisseurs of the regional block to be established through effective role of the stakeholders paving the way for further propping up the existing close bond based on cultural exchange between Japan and other friendly Asian nations.
Sharif Ahmed won gold medal in Asian Artpic-2018 organised by Shinkyoku Art Association in Japan in March this year.
Sharif Ahmed whose base of craftsmanship as an artist developed as a student of the Ceramics Department of Dhaka University won the prestigious Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Gold Medal Award from the institution in 2007.
It is his outstanding Realistic Works which brought someone from the Ceramics Department the glory of winning the award first in its history.
The title “Father of Realistic Pottery” was conferred upon Sharif Ahmed for his contribution to earthen crafts, as an inspiration for the students to the practice of realistic arts. Not only pottery, he has also shown signs of dexterity in making sculptures, terracotta and mural works.
