About me
Artist Dr Hira Sobahan
Artist Dr Hira Sobahan (Md. Abdus Sobahan) was born on 24 May 1970 in a village namely Nandibari, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. He is a prominent printmaker, painter, designer, researcher, organizer, editor and writer. He attained his MFA (Master’s of fine art) in Printmaking in 1995 from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University. He did his PhD in 2011 from Rajshahi University. He is particularly conversant with modern approaches of art, namely concrete, semi-abstract, and abstract. In his artworks, he depicts the natural beauties of this country, contemporary lifestyles, disasters, various shortcomings of society, social decadence, decaying wall-painting, human beings caught up in the clutches of time, and their delight and despair, through various techniques and medium such as woodcut print, etching, aquatint, soft-ground, drypoint, stone-lithography, monotype, mezzotint, collography, oil, acralic, oil pastel, water color and mixedmedia. He has given his artworks the title ‘Life and the Narrative of Time-1’ in 2019 at La galerie, Alliance Francaise de dhaka, Bangladesh. In 2003, he arranged his first solo printmaking exhibition titled ‘Image of Life and Time’ & his second solo painting exhibition titled ‘Chritite Vasshor Zia’ in the national art gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. He has participated in almost 80 international, national and other art exhibitions (1990-2019). He has achieved Ser-a-Bangla Goldmedal with 26 honours & 16 awards including ‘Bangabandhu Gold Medal’ in the field of fine arts and printmaking after taking part in national, other art exhibitions and condibition of fine arts and printmaking anothers recognize oraganiztion . His artworks have been preserved in intuitions and personal collections, both at home and abroad, including ‘Bangladesh National Museum’ . His seven research articles related to fine artshave been published in recognized journals.Three academic books on ‘Fine Art Printmaking’ ,‘Technique of Printmaking’ and the ‘Technique of Fine Art’ have been published by ‘Prothom Prokashon (February 2017 & Reprint-Prokriti-Prottoy Prokashon’, February 2024 in Rajshahi . He has established ‘F. Rahman & K. Nesa Welfare Foundation’ and ‘F. Rahman & K. Nesa printmaking studio’, Adviser of ‘Manob seba songgha’, Adviser of ‘Canvas of Bangladesh’, Dhaka. Adviser of Agrony Welfare Association, Adviser of Muktagacha Shilpa-Sahitta Porshed, Muktagacha, Mymensingh. Adviser of Prokriti -Prottoy Prokashon’, Rajshahi .Moreover, he is an editor & publisher of half-yearly Journal the title of ‘Shilpakotha’ & Currently he is Professor (Grade 2) & Chairman at the Department of Painting, Oriental Art and Printmaking, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
Early life
Self portrait 1990
In the greater Mymensingh district of Bangladesh (now Mymensingh division) once was an ancient town called ‘Muktagacha’ . It was known as ‘Alapsingh’ Pargana during the Mughal rule. Besieds, the original name of Muktagacha was ‘Binodbari’ . At that time, after the death of their father four brothers, Ramram Acharya Chowdhury, Harram Acharya Chowdhury, Bishnuram Acharya Chowdhury and Shibram Acharya Chowdhury respectively, travelled from Jhakar area of Bogra district through Shibganj and Muktagacha Banarpar of Fulbaria area, crossed Ayman river (at present Chowrangi intersection) on a ‘bajra’ (a kind of boat), and took a break at Rajghat. Surrounded by natural beauty, the environment of Binodbari was like a framed picture.Attracted by this beauty, the four brothers decided to build a palace there and run the government.
During the rule of zamindars, it was customary to receive the visiting zamindars with gifts. At that time, on the eve of the arrival of Raja Bahadur, various members of the society used to give gifts to please the kings. At that time a man named Muktaram Karmakar gave a tree (pinasuj) as a gift to the king on his arrival. The king was fascinated by the skillful craftsmanship of the tree and changed the name of ‘Binodbari’ to ‘Muktagacha’ , combining Muktaramr’ s ‘mukta’ and the tree given to him as ‘gacha’.
In a village called ‘Nandibari’ in the municipal area of this Upazilla of Muktagacha, the artist Dr. Hira Sobahan was born on 24 May 1970 to an aristocratic Muslim family. His full name is Md. Abdus Sobahan Hira. However, he is widely known as ‘Hira’ . His father Alhaj Faizur Rahman (1914 – 8 August 2014) was a prominent rice-mill, Transport and cloth trader in Muktagacha town. He was pious and was the president of Muktagacha Small Mosque Committee for many years, president of Muktagacha Cloth Merchants Association, vice-president of Muktagacha Big Mosque Committee and a social worker. Hira Sobahan’s mother Karimon Nesa (1925-27 September 1998) was a housewife and a generous woman.When the artist Hira published the magazine ‘Nabadiganta’ in handwriting in the 1990s, his mother inspired himby giving him colours for cover drawing, pen for writing and 200 taka for photocopying. Grandfather Gul Mahmud (? -1981) was a pious man and a famous Moazzem of Muktagacha small mosque. Every month during Ramadan, he used to wake up the people-to-be-fasting for ‘sahri’ in the morning with a lantern in his hand. Grandmother Kitabjan Bewa (? -1983) was a housewife. Artist Hira Sobahan is the third of four brothers and one sister.
His other siblings are Alhaj Abdul Karim (1955), Alhaj Abdur Rashid (12 December 1964), the only sister Khaleda Begum (June 5, 1974) and the youngest brother Abdul Aziz Mukta (10 May 1977). Three brothers are prominent businessmen of Muktagacha and the sister is a housewife. They are jointed others Soceial Activities. Hira’s Elder brother Alhaj Abdul Karim also pious and was the Ex. president of Muktagacha Small Mosque Committee. In this family circumstances, Dr. Hira Sobahan grew up. He observed the movement of the surrounding nature, people and society. From his childhood, the manifestation of art consciousness started presenting itself. He was an eyewitness of the catastrophe during the liberation war.As far as he can remember, he was approximately 5/6 years old (his father could not mention the exact time of admission to primary school as he did not remember the actual age). At that time, the family was hiding in a hole in the ground with their relatives. He used to hide in the houses of his relatives in the village to escape the oppression of the Pak aggressors. He used to play various sports and whenever he had time, he used to draw on the floor and walls of the house with coal or chalk.
Sometimes he made things out of clay, sometimes he made paper houses and boats. In this way, artistic ideals began to flourish in him. From class two to five he used to draw things on slate, notebook or even on books by looking at the picture on the pages of the books around him.He used to place a thin piece of paper on the picture printed on the book and do tracing with a pen.
Sometimes he used to make designs with needles in a cloth handkerchief.Originally, the tendency to practice calligraphy was noticed in him from class six. He used to feel more comfortable arranging letters in different designs with pen-ink in the school notebook. At this time, his inclination towards painting increased due to his association with Muktagacha Kisholay Kachi kanchar Mela. He regularly participated in various painting competitions and won many prizes. During this time, he used to observe the pictures and landscapes of various movie heroes and heroines drawn behind trucks and rickshaws on the way. And while coming home, he used to buy powder colour from the market mixed with water on a piece of paper and cut his hair, tie it with a jute stick, make a brush and draw pictures.Petting birds was one of his hobbies.He kept pigeons, tikka mynah and pigeons in his own hand-made bird cages.
Self porttrait 1986
painting working time 1987
At different times, he used to look for bird nests in different trees and collect the chicks. Probably while studying in class IX, at a friend’s request, he filmed two roosters on the back of the truck. He got one hundred rupees for drawing these. This was basically the first earning of his life. He also wrote various types of signboards once. His calligraphy skills have been excellent ever since. Sometimes, he used to draw pictures in the practical notebook for the students of X class. He has also made banners, gates and decorations for Eid, Puja and various cultural events in the area absolutely asa hobby. And in this way the artistic genius began to flourish in him. Although he grew up in a religious school, his family inspired him to draw.Bottom left picture :My father Alhaz Faizur Rahman and my mother korimon nesa.bottom right Me my daughter Prokriti my son Prottoy and my wife Sarkar Rumana Akter .
Education and career :
The artist passed the primary class from ‘Central Municipal Primary Government Model School’ and was admitted to Muktagacha ‘Ram Kishore Model High School’ (now a government school) in 1981. He passed the SSC examination in 1986 from science group in the first division under Dhaka Board. He used to decorate his school in various functions and was involved with scouting. Then, he was admitted in science group in ‘Muktagacha Shaheed Smriti Government College’ in 1986. From this college he passed the HSC with Higher Second Division in 1988 under Dhaka Board. He was a member of the Rover Scouts at his college too. It may be mentioned here that he used to perform overall decoration works for various cultural and sports programs of the college at the call of the principal of the college. He often discussed painting with the revered Sir Shamsul Islam, the principal. The principal always encouraged him to enroll in the Art Institute. He used to say, “I was a student of Dhaka University at one time and I used to visit the Institute of Fine Arts. I am a fan of art.” Originally inspired by the venerable Sir, he decided to enroll in the Art Institute. At that time, there was an opportunity to get admission in the Institute of Fine Arts with the qualification of SSC certificate. However, he had to pass the admission test. Although he passed HSC, he applied for admission in the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka with SSC certificate in mid-1986. He met Bidhu Bhushan Saha, another senior artist from Muktagacha, who was studying at the Institute of Fine Arts, and discussed about getting admission there. He came forward with all kinds of cooperation to him. Hira arranged to stay in his room at Art Hostel (Shaheed Shanewaj bhaban, F. Rahman hall, Universuty of dhaka) in Dhaka. At that time the practice of coaching was prevalent in fine arts. It was usually conducted by senior students. He was admitted to one of these coachings. However, the coaching was stopped for some time due to the outbreak of floods across the country. He then moved home. After coming home, he used to practice drawing as usual. After the floods, he returned to Dhaka and joined the coaching again. After passing the admission test successfully, he got the opportunity to get admission in pre-degree (preliminary degree). He was admitted in early 1989. The class started on March 11 of the same year. There, drawing was not practiced the way he used to draw. There one had to concentrate on painting by looking at objects directly and following the method of drawing. He explored drawing in the conventional teaching method in the company of the teachers. In 1990, he passed the pre-degree with 2nd division and was admitted in BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in the Department of Printmaking. Although he had the opportunity to be admitted in the Department of Painting, he chose printmaking. At that time, another artist in the area, Farooq Bhai, inspired him to paint. He was a student of Rajshahi Art College at that time. In the next stage he completed BFA from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University. He is currently working in a private company. Artist Bidhu Bhushan Saha is currently working as a drawing teacher at Government Girls High School in Jamalpur. He expresses his gratitude to these two artists. He has got two famous scholars as teachers at BFA level. One is artist Safiuddin Ahmed (23 June 1922 – 20 May 2012) and the other is modern artist Mohammad Kibria (1 January 1929 – 6 June 2011). Getting acquainted with these two, he learned the art of printing from them and became interested in painting. Artist Mohammad Kibria in particular liked his style of work. He always encouraged Hira to work in this field. Besides, Hira got artist Mahmudul Haque (1945), Abul Barak Alvi (1949) and Rokeya Sultana (1956) as teachers. His teachers always supported him. In 1993, he got 595 marks in BFA final examination and won the first place in second division. It may be mentioned here that he could not get the first division for 5 marks only. However, at the MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) level, his experimental artistic consciousness excelled. At this stage he was able to win several awards. His work was appreciated by the teachers at the while. He created more works of art, mainly a mixture of etching, aquatint and soft-ground. The 1995 MFA exam was held in 2000. In the MFA examination, he got 614 marks and was able to get the first place in the first class. He obtained his PhD degree from Rajshahi University in 2011. The title of his dissertation was “Printmaking of Bangladesh and Three Artists : Safiuddin Ahmed, Mohammad Kibria and Monirul Islam (1948-2008).” He was the first to get a PhD degree in printmaking in Bangladesh.Career: As a student, he started his career by teaching drawing to children in several art schools. He first started teaching at ‘Nandan Kanan Art School’ in Mohammadpur, Dhaka in 1994. He worked there for several years and then taught drawing to children at the Navy Headquarters ‘Ladies Club’ in Banani from 1998 to 2002.He was an art instructor at ‘Kotha Lalitakala Academy’ in Uttar Badda, Dhaka from 2000-2003. He worked part-time as a graphic designer at Bangladesh Television from 1997 to June 2003. In the same year, he joined the ‘SM Sultan Memorial Museum’ in Narail under the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy as a‘Curator-cum Senior Fine Arts Instructor’ in the Ministry of Culture project. The gallery of ‘Shishuswargo School’ was established there during the project under his supervision. However, when the project expired, the late artist Subir Chowdhury, director and project director of the fine arts department of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, assured that the Ministry of Culture would soon transfer the institution to the revenue department.With this assurance, the unpaid workers and employees finally left in 2005. In this situation, he left the workplace of Narail after explaining all the things to the director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and the director of fine arts department. In the meantime, he applied for the post of lecturer in the Fine Arts Department of Rajshahi University. He received the letter of interview at the end of June 2006, almost a year later.The interview was held on 26 June 2006. He participated in the interview spontaneously. He was selected for the post by the University Recruitment Committee as he did well in the interview. Finally, on July 2, 2006, he joined the ‘Chhapchitra’ (printmaking) branch as a lecturer. He got married on November 24, 2000 to Rumana Akter (6 August 1975), the youngest daughter of Abdul Fattah Sarkar (1914-22 June 1980), a prominent businessman from Sikdarhat in Dinajpur Sadar district and, Hasina Sarkar (1932-21 June 2006). He is currently the father of two children. Currently, he is living in Anandita Bhaban in Kajla area of the university. He is presently working as a Professor in the Department of Painting, Oriental Art and Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Arts, Rajshahi University.
Publications (Academic Books)
1. ‘Fine Art Printmaking’, Published by Prothom Prokashon, Fabruary 2017, 109 Green Road (4th floor), Orchid plaza-2, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh.
2. ‘Technique of Printmaking’, Published by Prothom Prokashon, Fabruary 2017, 109 Green Road (4th floor), Orchid plaza-2, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh.
3. ‘Technique of Fine Arts’, Published by Prokriti-Prottoy Prokashon, July, 2019, 512 Anondita Bhabon (c-1), Kajla, Motiher, Rajshahi.
Research Publications (Article)
1.‘Printmaking of Bangladesh (1948-71) : Subjects & Stylies’, Bangladesh Asiatic Soceity Journal (Bangla), Vol. 38 (1), June 2020., Nimtoli, Dhaka.
2. “Bottalar Chapai Chobir Shorup Onneshon : Prekkhit Uponebashik Bangla” , A Research journal, Volume-16, Session-2010-2011,ISSN 1813-0402, Published- November, 2010,Faculty of Arts, University of Rajshahi.
3. “Pratishdhanik CharukalaShikkherUnmesh o Bikash : PrekkhitBangladesh” , A Research journal, Volume-22, Session-2016-2017,ISSN 1813-0402, Published- November, 2016, Faculty of Arts, University of Rajshahi.
4.“Shilpi Safiuddin Ahmed ar Woodengraving Chapai Chobi” , A journal of the Institute of Bangladesh Studies (Bangla), Volume-25 (1424 bs), ISSN 1561-798-X, Published- June, 2018, Institute of Bangladesh Studies, University of Rajshahi.
5. “Obivokta Banglay Mudronshilper Uttaron”, Grontho chinton Edited by Khan Mahbub, Katha prokash, 37/1 Banglabazar, Dhaka, 1100. February 2018, ISBN: 984 70120 0764.
6. “Uropio Chapchitra kala : Akti Porjalochona” ,‘Shilpakola’ shanmasik bangla Research journal,Dept. of Research & Publication, 2017, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka,
7. “Chapai Chobir Shilpodhara : Prosanggo kolkater Nobbo-Bonggio Kalashilpo”, Research journal of Music,Volume-4, ISSN: 23, December 2018, Dept. of Music, University of Rajshahi.
Solo Artwork Exhibitions
1. 4th International online Art Exhibition 2021 Art Family, Kalkata., India.
2. 3rd solo miniature Art Exhibition, 2019 titled ‘Life and the Narrative of Time-1’, La galerie, Alliance Francaise de dhaka, Bangladesh.
3. 2nd solo Painting Exhibition, 2003 titled ‘Chritite Vasshor Zia’ Organized By Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
4. 1st solo Fine Art Printmaking Exhibition, 2003 titled ‘Image of Life and Time’, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Gallery, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
International Group Artwork Exhibitions
1. Microtopia, International Art Fest 2021-2022 Gallery Chitrak, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Org. Chittagong Art Club, Banhladesh,
2. PRINTMAKING TODAY, An International online Printmaking Exhibition 2020. Org by: DAG, Kolcata, India, Display in FACEBOOK, On: 2nd December 2020 At: 8pm (IST)
3. World Renowned Artist S M Sultan 96th Birthday Celebration International online Art Exhibition 2020
https://smsultan.org/clovid-19-by-prof-dr-hira-sobahan
4. 5th International online Tone of Art Festival 2020 (Guest Artist), Focus Bangladesh, Promotion of Arts & Crafts, Dhaka.
5. 5th Tone International Miniature Art Biennale 2015, Tone Art Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka.
6. 13th Asian Art Biennial Bangladesh, 2008, Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
7. 9th Asian Art Biennial Bangladesh, 1999, Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
8. The 3rd Malaysia Annual Exhibition of International, 1998, Contemporary Prints, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Malaysia.
9. 3rd International Miniature Prints Exhibition, 1998, Tama Art University, Japan.
10. Gallery Tone International Miniature Art Exhibition, 1998, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
11. 8thAsian Art Biennial Bangladesh, 1997, Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
12. The 2nd Malaysia Annual Exhibition of International,1996, Contemporary Prints, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Malaysia.
13. 4th Bharat Bhaban International Biennial of Prints, 1997, Bhopal, India.
14. International Biennial of Graphic Art Exhibition, 1995, Ljuijana, Slovenija.
National & others Group Artwork Exhibitions
1. 7th Fine Arts Exhibition 2023 Natinal Art Gallery, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka, Org. by Society of Fine Arts.
2. Annual Fine Arts Exhibition 2023 Dept. of Painting, Oriental Art & Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Rajsha
3. Print Fest. 2022, Pioneer of Babgladesh Printmaking Artist Safiuddin Ahmed’s 100th BirthAnniversary 2022 Shilpacharja Zainul Abedin Gallery, Org. Dept. of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
4. Artist Safiuddin Print Fair, 2022, Pioneer of Babgladesh Printmaking Artist Safiuddin Ahmed’s 100th BirthAnniversary 2022 Org. by Safiuddin Gallery, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
5. Artist Rashed Smriti porshad’s 13th Art Exhibition and Competition 2019, Artist Rashed Smriti porshad’s & Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
6. 23th National Art Exhibition, 2019, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
7. Gallery Shorong 4th Shishu-Kishore Art Exhibition’2016, Organized Gallery Shorong, Dinajpur, Bangladesh.21th National Art Exhibition, 2015, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
8. Kahal Art Fair 2015 Bangladesh, Kahal Art Group and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
9.Rang Art Exhibition, 2015, Department of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Rajshahi.
10. Urban Experiences, A group exhibition of monoprints, 2014, US Department of State & Bengal Foundation, Bengal Art Lounge, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
11. Birth Anniversary of Shilpacharja Zainul Abedin and 36 Anniversary of Department of Fine Arts, 2014, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Rajshahi & Catushkun Art Wave, Bangladesh.
12. 19th National art Exhibition, 2011, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
13. Annual art Exhibition, 2011 Department of fine arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Rajshahi
14. Annual art Exhibition, 2010 Department of fine arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Rajshahi.
15. Annual art Exhibition, 2009 Department of fine arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Rajshahi.
16. Printmaking Exhibition, 2009 Organized by Gallery Shilpangon, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
17. Artist Rashed Smriti Art Exhibition, 2008 Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy &Artist Rashed Smriti porshad’s , Dhaka.
18. Art Exhibition of Teacher`s , 2008 Jointly organized by Department of fine arts, University of Rajshahi & Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
19. Art Exhibition, 2008 Brihottoro Mymansingh Charushilpi Somonnoy Porishad, Shilpacharja Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala Gallery, Mymansingh, Bangladesh.
20. 17th National Art Exhibition, 2007 Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka
21. Grand Exhibition , 2007 Saju Art Gallery, Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
22. Pohela Boishakh Art Exhibition, 2007 Department of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh.
23. Printmaking Exhibition, 2006 Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy,Dhaka.
24. 15th National Young Artist’s Art Exhibition, 2004 Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
25. Grand Exhibition, 2003 Saju Art Gallery, Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
26. Art Exhibition commemorating the 67th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, 2003 Organized by the 67th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Observance Council, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University, Bangladesh.
27. 15th national Art Exhibition, 2002 Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
28. Art Exhibition commemorating the 66th Birth Anniversary Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, 2002 Organized by the 66th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Observance Council, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts , Dhaka University, Bangladesh.
29. Grand Exhibition, 2002 Saju Art Gallery, Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
30. 14th National Young Artist’s Art Exhibition, 2002 Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
31. 17th Impression Art Exhibition, 2002 Organised by German Embassy and Gallery -21, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
32. Group Print Exhibition, 2002 Organized by Printmaker Band Zainul Gallery, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
33. Grand Art Exhibition, 2002 Saju Art Gallery, Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
34. 14th National Art Exhibition, 2000 Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
35. Annual Art Exhibition, 2000 Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
36. Grand Art Exhibition, 2000 Saju Art Gallery, Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
37. 13th National Young Artist’s Art Exhibition, 2000 Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
38. 1st Biennial Art Exhibition, 2000 Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad, Bangladesh National Museum Gallery, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
39. 5 Bangladeshi Artist’s Print Show, 2000 Organized by Goethe Institute German Culture Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
40. Millennium Art Exhibition, 2000 Organized by Bangladesh Television, TV Bhaban, Rampura, Dhaka.
41. Graphic Exhibition , 1999 50th Anniversary of the Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
42. Art Exhibition in commemoration of the 22th Death Anniversary the Father of the Nation, 1999 Ntional Meuseum Gallery organized by the National Mourning Observance Council, Institute of Fine Art, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
43. 3rd Berger Young Artist’s Painting Exhibition,1999 Zainul Gallery, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
44. 13th National Art Exhibition, 1998 Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
45. 12th National Young Artist’s Art Exhibition, 1998 Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
46. 3rd Shilpangon Young Artist’s Art Exhibition, 1998 Shilpangon Art Gallery, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
47. Art Exhibition for helping the flood effected, 1998 Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
48. Annual Art Exhibition, 1997 Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
49. 1st Berger Young Artist’s Painting Exhibition, 1997 Zainul Gallery, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
50. Art Exhibition in commemoration of the 24th Death Anniversary the Father of the Nation, 1997 Organized by the National Mourning Observance Council, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
51. Contemporary Young Painting Exhibition from Bangladesh, 1997 Art Space Rovshinban, Japan.
52. 95 Graphic Artists’ Art Exhibition, 1997 75thBirth Anniversary of renowned artist Safiuddin Ahmed, Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Dhaka.
53. The Theme Environmental Degradation participated by the up – coming artists of the Country, 1997 Hyacinth Garden Gallery, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
54. Art for Amnesty’96 , an Art competition and exhibition, 1997 Organized by Amnesty International Bangladesh Center, Institute of Fine Arts Gallery, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
55. Poster exhibition on Environment 1997 Organized by Oitijhya Paribesh Adhikar and Sangrakhyan Parishad, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
56. Inaugural Exhibition of Gallery 21,1997 Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
57. Inaugural Exhibition of Monju Art Gallery, 1997 Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
58. 12th National Art Exhibition, 1996 Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
59. Annual Art Exhibition, 1996 Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
60. United Nation’s 50th Anniversary Young Artist’s Art Competition and Exhibition, 1995 Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
61. 2nd Tone National Miniature Art Exhibition, 1995 Gallery Tone, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
62. 75th Anniversary of Dhaka University Poster Exhibition, 1995 Organized by DUCSU, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
63. Annual Art Exhibition, 1995 Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
64. 12th National Art Exhibition, 1994 Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
65. 10th National Young Artist’s Art Exhibition, 1994 Organized by Bangladesh ShilpakalaAcademy, Dhaka.
66. Zainul Utshab Art Exhibition, 1993 Zainul Gallery, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
67. Water Colour Art Exhibition, 1992 Sonargaon Pan-Pacific Hotel, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
68. Water Colour Art Exhibition, 1991 Hotel Sheraton, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
69. Water Colour Art Exhibition, 1991 21stAnniversary of Victory Day. Zainul Gallery, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
70. Baishakhi Art Exhibition, 1991 Organized by Greater Mymensingh Parishad Zainul Songrahashala, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
71. DUCSU Ovishek’90 Art Exhibition, 1990 Zainul Gallery, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
82. (71+11) Annual Art Exhibitions 1990 Faculty of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
workshop & course
1. Japanese printmaking (Intaglio- Etching)workshop ,2019 under Japanese Artist Toshihkio Ikeda, Cosmos Atelier71, Printmaking Cosmos Centre, Dhaka.
2. Monoprint workshop 2014 under American printmaker Andrew Saftel, US Department of State & Bengal Foundation,Department of Fine Arts, University of Rajshahi.
3. workshop 2011 ÒAkusshotokeya Bisshabiddaloy porjaloyauchana Shikkha o Shikkhokar Bhoumika,Ó Cenate Bhabon, Rajshahi University.
4. Prantik-er Prakitajan Art (North)-Art Camp 2010 Palpur, Godagari, Rajshahi, Britto Arts Trust.
5. TV set Design Course, 2003 Organized by National institute of Mass Communication. Darus Salam, Mirpur road, Dhaka.
6. Self-management for Artists, 2002 under Artist IlsHilpart from Germany Organized by German Embassy and Gallery 21, Dhaka.
7. Printmaking Workshop, 1997 under renowned Artist Shahid Kabir residin in Madrid, Spain, organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
8. Printmaking Workshop, 1994 under Japanese Professor TusiokiSirioki organized by Institute of Fine Arts (presently Faculty of Fine Art), University of Dhaka.
Honours
1.Ser-A-Bagla Goldmedal honour 2020 for Contibuted in Painting of Bangladesh, A k ser-a-a Bangla Fazlul haque Research council, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2. Honour Award 2020 for Contibuted in Printmaking of Bangladesh by Mymensingh zila somiti, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi.
3. Mosi gunijon honour 2020 for Contibuted in Painting of Bangladesh by Mosi Sahitta Porishad & Manobojibon Porttika Dhaka, 2020.
4. 105th Barth Anniversary of Shilpacharcha Zainul Abedin Memoriel honour Award 2019 for Contibuted in Printmaking of Bangladesh by Canvas of Bangladesh, Dhaka.
5. 43th dead Anniversary of mozlum jononeta mawlana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasane Memorieal honour Award 2019 for Contibuted in Printmaking of Bangladesh by Swadhinata Sangsad, Bangladesh, Dhaka.
6. 25th dead Anniversary of Eminent Artist S M Sultan honour Award 2019 for Contibuted in Printmaking of Bangladesh by Canvas of Bangladesh, Dhaka.
7. Child Art Competition Judgment honour, 2008, Bijoy dhibas udjapan upolokhaChild Art Competition, Bangladesh Muktijuddha sangsad, Bangladesh Bank Thana Command, Rajshshi, Bangladesh.
8. Teacher’s Reception, 2006, Dept. of Fine Arts (Presently Faculty of Fine Arts), University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
9. Honorable Award, 2003, Kotha Lalitkala Academy, Badda, Rampura, Dhaka,Bangladesh.
Awards
1. Birshestra Shaheed Motiur Rahman Memorial Medal, 2002, Art Exhibition commemorating the 66th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Organized by the 66th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Observance Council, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2. Best Experimental Award, 2000, Department of Printmaking, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
3. Bongoboundhu Gold Medal Award, 1999, Art Exhibition in commemoration of the 22th Death Anniversary the Father of the Nation, Ntional Meuseum Gallery, Organized by the National Mourning Observance Council, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University.
4. Honorable Mention Award, 1998, 12th National Young Artist’s Art Exhibition, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
5. Honorable Mention Award, 1998, 3rd Shilpangon Young Artist’s Art Exhibition, Shilpangon the Contemporary Art Gallery, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
6. Honorable Mention Award, 1997, Art for Amnesty’96 an Art Competition & Exhibition, Organized by Amnesty International Bangladesh Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
7. Best Experimental Award, 1997, Department of Printmaking, Institute of Fine Arts, Presently Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University.
8. Honorable Mention Award, 1995, 50th Anniversary of United Nation’s Young Artist’s Art Competition and Exhibition, Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.
9. 1st Award, 1990, Ekuasha Boi mela`90, Organized by Muktagacha Pourasava, Muktagacha, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
10. 2nd Award, 1988, Fine Art & Crafts Exhibition, Organized by Muktagacha Upojila Porishad, Muktagacha, Mymensingh.
11. 1st Award, 1987, Wall magazine Competition, kisholoy kochi kakachar mela, Muktagacha, Mymensingh.
12. 1st Award, 1984, Art Competition of commemorating the Shahid day 21 February kisholoy kochi kakachar mela, Muktagacha, Mymensingh.
13. 1st Award, 1983, National Child Competition, Shishu Academy ,Media of Water colour (Competition in Thana), Mymensingh.
15. 2nd Award, 1983, National Child Competition, Shishu Academy, Media of Pencil Sketch (Competition in Thana), Mymensingh.
16. 3rd Award, 1983, National Child Competition, Shishu Academy Media of kula painting (Competition in District.), Mymensingh.
Collections
Hasan Azizul Haque, 2020, Eminent Letaraturist of Bangladesh.
Dr. Dipu Moni, 2019, Minister of Education, Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
K M Khalid Babu, MP, 2019, State Minister, Ministry of Culture Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
Khairuzzaman Liton, 2019, Mayer, Rajshahi City Corporation, City Bhaban,Rajshahi.
Director La galerie, Alliance Francaise de dhaka, Bangladesh.
Hasan Azizul Haque, 2017, Eminent Letaraturist of Bangladesh.
A.K.M. Mosharrof Hossain, FCA, MP, 2003, State Minister, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Reshources, Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
Bengal group Limited, 2003 BSCE Bhaban (1st floor), Kawran Bazar C/A, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Navy Headquarter Ladies Club, 2003 Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Bangladesh National Museum, 1999, 2002 Shabag, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Tama Art University Museum, 2000, Japan.
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Bangladesh), 1998, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Central Academy of Art, 1997, Malaysia. many other private and institutional collections at home and abroad.
Published of Artwork (Books/newspaper)
1. The Daily Prothom Alo, Weekly Magazine Suterdinaye, May 6, 2000, titled ‘Image of life & time-14’ ,etching aqua & softground, h50xw94cm., 1998.
2. The Daily Prothom Alo, Weekly Magazine Suterdinaye, 29 April 2000. titled ‘Image of life and time-5’ (1), etching aqua & softground, h33xw50cm., 1996.
3. The Daily vorerer kagoj, 25 April 2000. titled ‘Don’t kill the time-3’, Woodcut print technique, 65Xw48cm., 1994.
4.The Islimic world, Contemporary Art in Bangladesh (special Volume), Arts, London,1999.Title : Image of life & time-33, etching aquatint & softground, 31×99 cm. 1999.
5.Charupat, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, 1995, Title : Still life-2, wood engraving, 13x10cm. 1995.
Published of Artwork Exhibition Criticism & others News (Daily news & Magazine)
February 5, muktoprovat.com.bd/post/1920/ বইয়ে ছাপানো চিত্র দেখেই ছাপচিত্র শিল্পী রাবি অধ্যাপক হীরা
February 5, somaynews24.com/ বইয়ে ছাপানো চিত্র দেখেই ছাপচিত্র শিল্পী রাবি অধ্যাপক হীরা
February 5, bijoyer-alo.com/archives/5763/ বইয়ে ছাপানো চিত্র দেখেই ছাপচিত্র শিল্পী রাবি অধ্যাপক হীরা
April 4, 2020, muktoprovat.com.bd/article/1302/অসহায়দের পাশে রাবি অধ্যাপক হীরা
April 4, 2020, thecampustoday.com/অসহায়দের-পাশে-রাজশাহী-বি/
April 4, 2020, natunkagoj.com/অসহায়-মানুষের-পাশে-রাবি/
April 4, 2020, careertimes24.com/archives/26292/ অসহায়দের পাশে রাবি অধ্যাপক হীরা
June 2 , 2020 , somaynews24.com//রঙ-তুলিতে-করোনার-নানারূপ/
June 2 , 2020 bangladesh-media.com/ রঙ-তুলিতে-করোনার-নানারূপ
June 2 , 2020, muktoprovat.com.bd/article/রঙ-তুলিতে-করোনার-নানারূপ
June 2 , 2020, bijoyeralo.com/news/15711 “রঙ তুলিতে করোনার নানারূপ
JUNE 29, 2020, Jamunanews24 “মুক্তাগাছার কৃতি সন্তান চিত্রশিল্পী অধ্যাপক ড.হীরা সোবহান”,
JUNE 27, 2020, Ekattorsangbad “মুক্তাগাছার গর্ব দেশ বরেণ্য চিত্রশিল্পী অধ্যাপক ড.হীরা সোবাহান”,
JULY 13, 2019, UNB Magazine “Solo miniature art exhibition begins in city”,
Thursday, April 2, 2020, the Daily Star Magazine ‘Life and the Narrative of Time-1’at AFD
14 July, 2019 , the Independent Magazine, Dr Sobahan’s miniature art show underway at AFD
Daily Prothom-alo, July 12, 2019; The Daily Ittafaq, July 13 2019; Daily Star, July 16, 2019; Daily Ovserver,July 12 & 24,2019; Somokal, July 17, 2019; Monthly Canvas magazine, Augest, 2019; DhakaTribune, July 23, 2019;BhorerKagoj, July 13, 2019; The Independent, July 11 & 14, 2019; Dhakacourier, July 12, 2019; The Daily Janakantha,July 19, 2019; Kali o kalam, Augest, 2019; Noyadiganta, Augest 30, 2019; Newage, July 16, 2019; Daily Sun, July 15,2019; New Nation, July 26, 2019; Asian Age, July 17, 2019; Unb (online news), July 13, 2019; Dainik Rajshahir Alo,
October 2, 2019;The Daily Janakantha, October 13, 2019; Dainik Rajshahir Alo, October 22, 2019; Dainik Gono dhaniProtidin, Rajshahi, October 23, 2019; The Dainik Barta (North Bengal’s only 1class national newsprint), Rajshahi,October 25, 2019; Rajshahier Songbad, October 25, 2019; Somokal, February 9, 2017; Dainik Sonaly Sangbad, February 9,2017; Sonar Desh, February 9, 2017; Bangladesh somoy (on line), February 8, 2017;The National Daily Prothom-alo, May 29, 2015;The star magazine, A weekly Publication of Daily Star, 2 January 2009; Shilparup, A Quaterly magazine of the Art, Vol.-2, April-June 2008; Jogantar, March 1 & 2, 2003; The Daily Ittafaq, March 1, 2003; New Nation, March 1,2003; Bangla bazer, March 1, 2003; Dainik Dinkal, April 30, June 9 & 10, 2003; Sangbad, March 2 & 20, June 9, 2003; The Independent Magazine, 11 April 2003; The Bangladesh Today, 11 April 2003; The Daily Inqulab, 10 March 2003; The Daily Sangbad, 20 March 2003; The Daily Ittafaq, June 10, 2003; 10 The Daily Prothom-alo, April 18, June 9, 2003;The Daily Prothom-alo, March 1, 2002; Ajker Kagoj, March 9, 2002; New Nation, March 1, 2002; The Daily Prothom-alo, Chotirdinay (weekly magazine -18 & 29 April 2000), The Daily Star Magazine, 8 sept. 2000;The Daily Prothom-alo,April 29, Sept. 22, May 6, 2000; Bhorar Kagoj, April 25, 2000; 1998; Bhorar Kagoj, Augest 14, 1999; The Daily Prothom-alo, Augest 14, 1999; Ajker Kagoj, Augest 14, 1999; The Daily Ittafaq, July 10 & 11, 1998; Dhakacourier, July 31, 1998; The Daily Sangbad, April, 1998; Bhorar Kagoj, July 11 & 17,1998; Bhorar Kagoj, March April 26, 1998; Weekly 2000, July 17,1998;The Daily Ittafaq, June 12, 1997; Daily Janakantha, March 29 & 31, 1997; The Daily Ittafaq, March 29, 1997; he Bangladesh Ovserver, March 29, 1997; Bhorar Kagoj, March 29, 1997; The Daily Inqulab, May 9, 1997; Dainik Bangla, March 29, 1997; The Independent, May 9, 1997; Ajker Kagoj, April 22, 1997;shabiddaloy Campas, June 1997; Pronadona, January 8-22, 1997; Weekly Bichitra, January, 1996; The Daily Ittafaq, March 15,1996;Bishabiddaloy Campas, January, 1996.
Telecast :
Bangladesh Television, Weekly Cultural Programee, July 23, 2019 at 10.45 am.
Jumunatv (live), July 11, 2019 at 7.40 am.
Bangla vision, Din Protidin, July 21, 2019 at 8.30 am.
ATN (Bangla), ChaeerChumuke, July 14, 2019 at 8.30 am.
Satv, Belasheshe, July 17, 2019 at 5.30 pm.
Masranggatv, July 17, 2019 at 5.30 pm.
Bangla vision, Bichitra, July 17, 2019 at 6.30 5m.
Boheshakhitv, July 17, 2019 at 6.30 5m
News24, July 17, 2019 at 5.30 5m
DBC News, July 17, 2019 at 1.53 pm.
Bangla vision, Bichitra, October 17, 2019 at 6.30 5m.
Children Art Competition Judge :
Children Art Competition of 20th Anniversary Rotaract Club of Rajshahi University, 2011, Rajshahi.
Vactory day Children Art Competition, 2008, Bangladesh muktijutha sangsadh, Bangladesh Bank pratisdhanikTana Comand, Rajshahi.
International Mother language day Child Art Competition, 2008 Shahid Smriti Sanggrahshala, Rajshahi University.
Child Art Competition, 2009, Rotaract Club of Rajshahi University, Bangladesh.
Child Art Competition, 1994, Rotaract Club of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Other Activites:
Editor : Shilpakotha (Half yearly Magazine of Art-Literature-Culture-Science), Anandita bhoban, 512, C-1, Kajla, Motiher, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
Ex. Editor : Abong, 1990, 2008; Novodiganta, 1990, Muktagacha, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
Founder Chairman : F. Rahman & K. Nesa Foundation, Nondibari, Muktagacha, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
Maneging Director : F. Rahman & K. Nesa Printmaking Studio. Anandita bhoban, 512, C-1, kajla, Mtiher, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
Mamber : Bangladesh Asiatic Society, Nimtoli, Dhaka.
Life Mamber : Muktagacha pouro padhagar, Muktagacha, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
Mamber : Printmaking alumni association, Department of Printmakig, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Publisher : Prokriti-Prottoy Prokasion, Kajla, Motiher, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
Former President : Mymensingh Zilla Somiti, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
Former Mamber : Scouts, Rover Scouts & Kisholoy Kochi Kacher Mela, Muktagacha, Mymensingh; Presently jointed other Social organization, Bangladesh.
Artist Statement
I’ m basically a printmaker. I obtained the highest degree in Printmaking in 1995 (examination was held in 2000) from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University. I also work on oil painting, mixed media, acrylic, watre colour, cover drawing and design. And I’ m involved in research work-editing the Sanmashik (half-yearly) magazine “Shilpakatha” and writing books. “Printmaking of Bangladesh and three Artists : Safiuddin Ahmed, Mohammad Kibria and Monirul Islam (1948-2008)” is the title of the PhD thesis I did from Rajshahi University in 2011. I established “F. Rahman and K. Nesa Printmaking Studio”and “F. Rahman and K. Nesa Foundation” in 2020. I am a member of Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, life Member of Muktagachha Municipal Library, Mymensingh. I basically feel more comfortable with crafting in tangible, semi-abstract and abstract modern art forms. In the media of woodcut, etching, aquatint, soft-ground, drypoint, stone-lithography, monotype, mezzotint, collography, I like to paint the nature of the rural life, disasters, various inconsistencies in society, degradation of morals, decaying murals, people caught in the prison of time. I have been composing a collection of art pieces on the subject of happiness and sorrow in abstract and semi-abstract images. That is why I have titled my artwork “Narrative of Life and Time” and “Narrative of Time”. Since the last half of the nineties, I have been engaged in various experiments on the subject and technique of printing. Gradually, different types of features in print-painting began to be implemented in my artwork. In particular, I feel more comfortable printing images in a combination of etching, aquatint and soft- ground. I always look forward to exploring the human life flowing in the ferry of time, the ruins of nature, the course of evolving time. The fact that artist Mahmudul Haque’s expertise made the first successful experimental printing work through mezzotint in this country is undeniable. However, as far as is known, I was the first in this country to try to excel in technical skills by printing realistic images through this medium under the supervision of Japanese Professor Toshioki Shirooki. My “self-image” image is a perfect example of this process. In particular, with the application of mezzotint tools rocker, I have created a grain by grating the real texture with a scraper, which, after being imprinted on the paper, forms a special feature of this media which shows lightfrom darknessin multi layered colours. I usually divide the large zinc plattes made in this country into a few parts and arrange them in a special way to exhibit my artistic skill in an abstract or semi-abstract manner. The existing happiness-sorrow, instability, anarchy, violence-hatred, the dynamics of the primitive social picture in different contexts become thecore of my picture. Using strong rhythmic lines, delicate textures, deep tonalities, triangles, circles, semicircles, simple curved geometric forms, multiple shapes, I always look for aesthetic language in my paintings. I am accustomed to presenting images in horizontal, vertical or square shapes. I am also engaged in the practice of art of various means like mixedmedia, acrylic, pastel, water colour, oil colour etc.Through these arts, I hope that I can walk in the arena of national and international art by exploring the traditions of this country and my own art form. I also hope to keep myself involved in the welfare of helpless children. In the end, I think my painting will be successful only if my paintings can create the slightest interest in the art-loving people.
Dr Hira Sobahan
Professor
Discipline of Printmaking,
Department of Painting, Oriental Art and Printmaking,
Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Rajshahi.
