Art for Charity: Nobility through brushes

Fridays are usually very quiet during the middle of the day. As the sun shone exceptionally bright over the skies of Justice Shahabuddin Park in Banani, some parts of the country were drowning in floods. Thousands remain displaced without homes or any resources to sustain a normal life. 

So, with the goal of helping those suffering from the extraordinary natural calamity, Dhaka Storytellers organised a day-long art camp called 'Art for Charity' on 30 August. 
The event was held in a relatively small space of the park. If anyone recalls, and for those who might not be familiar, Shahbuddin Park lies at the edge of Gulshan-2 and is blanketed in greenery.

The camp might not have taken up too much space, being held at a hut-like open space. But what made it truly rich, was the presence of the arts and the artists, along with the cause they all came together for.

As we walked through the quiet park, we came across the distinguished sculptor and artist Hamiduzzaman Khan, immersed in his craft. He was bringing to life an impressionistic vision of rivers flowing in harmony with the Sundarbans on his canvas. The peaceful surroundings seemed to mirror the tranquillity of his work, a serene scene unfolding in a serene setting.

Khan, with a soft smile, spoke of the joy he felt being there. "There's something truly revitalising about being surrounded by nature, alongside familiar faces I haven't seen in ages," he said.
"Art has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember, and knowing that my work is contributing to a greater cause fills my heart with warmth. The environment, the people — everything here is so welcoming. I'm genuinely enjoying every moment."

Referring to the piece he was working on, Khan said with utter humility, "It may not be much but I am still trying to do my best for the cause."

The event attracted numerous artists, both well-known and emerging. The paintings were made on the spot and went up for sale. By the time of this writing, at least 10 paintings were sold, each ranging from Tk20,000 to more than Tk1 lakh.

"The response we have been getting is actually great and perhaps even more than what we have been expecting," said Safius Sami Alamgir, one of the founders of Dhaka Storytellers. He explained that the event was organised on very short notice, with the entire plan coming together in just three days. Artists were invited to participate, and the venue was quickly arranged. 

"We have been humbled and blessed by the presence of such prominent artists and everyone else who dropped by and bought the paintings being made here," he added.

The art camp aimed to gather artists for a day-long event, from 11 am to 6 pm, where they painted on blank canvases. These artworks were then put up for sale, with many pieces purchased even before the paint had dried. Although the venue was not overly crowded, there was a steady stream of art enthusiasts who came to acquire pieces they admired.

"We speak through our brushes and colours," said Anisuzaman Anis, a renowned artist in the country. After spending nearly 40 years in Spain honing his craft, Anis feels a stronger calling to be present at such an event. 

He further emphasised the profound significance of the art camp, noting that its importance transcends words due to the deeply meaningful cause it supports. "As an ageing painter with limited ability to directly aid those impacted by the floods, I am grateful for the platform this event provided me to contribute," Anis added.

The proceeds from the sale of these artworks were destined for the Chief Adviser's Relief and Welfare Fund, which would then be allocated to flood-affected regions and people in need. 
"For us, this was the ideal place to direct our funds," Sami explained. "We've already sold a significant number of paintings, with prices adjusted generously by up to 30% by our artists. Their kindness has been overwhelming, and we can't thank them enough. I sincerely hope the funds we raise today will help those affected by the floods to regain their stability in the days ahead."