Book Break
"Kazi Ghiyasuddin"

Speakers: Author, Kazi Ghiyasuddin,
Rosa Maria Falvo (Editor), Monzurul Huq (Contributor)

Monday, February 27, 2012, from 6.15 go 8.30 pm

（The speech will be in English）

"Kazi Ghyasuddin: Contemporary Masters of Bangladesh", published by Skira of Italy with the collaboration of Bengal Foundation will bring to the audience a rare opportunity to be educated on traditional and contemporary artistic trends of the Indian subcontinent. Like elsewhere in the world, the Indian art was historically rooted to the patronization of authorities, both religion and administrative, as had been beautifully reflected in figurative forms of mythical figures in numerous temples in the region. Indian art has since then undergone periodic evolutions, travelling all the way from Mogul miniature paintings to the early influence of Western artistic trends at the beginning of twentieth century.

The art of Bangladesh has travelled a difficult path during the last six and half decades before finding its own identity within the larger frame of Indian art. In the process to find a distinct identity by various artists they have been influenced by Western artistic trends in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Japan, too, has played a role since the days of bilateral interaction between Okakura Kakuzo and Rabindranath Tagore, the First Asian to win the Nobel literature award. Kazi Ghyasuddin rightfully represents that dual identity as he shares his time between Japan and Bangladesh since mid-1970s.

Living in Japan for more than three decades and studying paintings at Japanese universities has played a major influence on the artist in various ways. The technique that he is familiar with and the method that he applies in reflecting his inner vision into the canvas are partially borrowed. We can see Japanese traces in the rich singular touch of his brushes, as well as the rational use of colors - some of the characteristics that are closely connected to the oriental style of paintings. However, these creations are also rooted deeply in the surroundings of his early childhood. In short, nature that we encounter in his paintings is essentially the rain soaked face of rural Bengal. Thus, his art is influenced by the changing colors of the Bangladeshi sky at different times of the year bringing an extra tone and texture to the already colorful local settings. This is what is transformed to his canvasses through the techniques that he has acquired from the borrowed country.

The new album of his collection of paintings with an introductory essay on the artist and his works written by former FCCJ President Monzurul Huq gives a full understanding of the range of his artistic skill. The album has been edited by Rasa Maria Falvo, a writer and curator of Asian contemporary art. The artist, the editor and the main contributor - all three will be present at the FCCJ book break on Monday, February 27, 2012.

The library committee is now offering a cocktail party - "meet the author" - starting at 6:15 pm, followed by dinner at 6:45 pm. Drinks can be ordered on a pay basis from the bar in the room.

Book Break charges 2,000 yen (including tax) for the event. Sign up now at the reception desk (3211-3161) or online at http://www.fccj.or.jp/node/7144. To help us plan proper seating and food preparation, please reserve in advance, preferably by noon of the day of the event. Those without reservations will be turned away once available seats are filled.

Reservations cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged in full.

Library Committee, THE FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS' CLUB OF JAPAN