Renowned artist Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman’s unique and interactive printmaking workshop titled ‘On the Trail of Planography’ is currently underway at Cosmos Atelier-71 in Dhaka’s Malibagh, showcasing the techniques of plate lithography in printmaking.

The four-day exclusive planography workshop was inaugurated on Friday, May 10 by Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of Cosmos Foundation. The workshop features 11 artists from diverse backgrounds: Abu Kalam Shamsuddin, Boni Adam, Chitram Sen Anik, Iqbal Bahar Chy, K Zaman Shimul, Kamruzzoha, Palash Baran Biswas, Rezwanur Rahman, Rumana Rahman Rani, Salma Zakia Bristy and Sohanur Rahman.

Tehmina Enayet, Director of Cosmos Atelier-71 and Gallery Cosmos, and Nahar Khan, Executive Director at Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Foundation, were also present at the workshop’s inaugural ceremony.

“Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71 were established through the guidance of the illustrious printmaker, the late Kalidas Karmakar - and ever since inception, we have provided patronage to a number of great artists, workshops, exhibitions, art events, and publications and more. We will continue supporting our talented art community through organizing meaningful events, publishing resourceful books and hosting enlightening workshops like this,” Enayetullah Khan said at the event.

“The history of Lithography, a planographic printmaking process, dates back to 1798 - and from then to the current day, the world of art has seen revolutionary changes. As an artist and art educator, my aim is to familiarize this particular medium not only to the students but also to the public and general admirers; however, this is understandably a bit complex process and requires several additional art equipment. Gallery Cosmos is not only providing all the required support and elements but also helping us to popularise the medium through this workshop, joined by participants from diverse backgrounds. I wholeheartedly thank Gallery Cosmos and all of its associates for organizing this workshop,” Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman told UNB.

Tehmina Enayet, Director of Cosmos Atelier-71 and Gallery Cosmos, said: “Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71 have long been committed to fostering the development of the country’s art scene. As part of our constant dedication to our artist community, we have organized this unique printmaking workshop with artist Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, former Chairman of the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. Through continuing frequent art events like this and the combined contributions of our respected participants, we will make significant impacts on the country's art scene.”

The workshop also features eminent guest artists including master artist Rokeya Sultana, legendary photographer Nasir Ali Mamun, and art educator Ashmita Alam, Chairman of the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University.

“During this four-day workshop, we will be celebrating one of the difficult but interesting parts of printmaking called planography, through the informative and well-curated artistic narrative and techniques of the seasoned artist-educator Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman. As one of his teachers, this is a matter of pride for me that he is sharing his knowledge among these enthusiastic participants, courtesy of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71,” pioneering Bangladeshi artist Rokeya Sultana said.

Currently a Professor of Printmaking at DU’s Faculty of Fine Arts, Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman was born in Dhaka in 1976. After completing his BFA from the Institute of Fine Arts’ Department of Printmaking, Dhaka University in 1998 (held in 2001), he received a Master’s degree in printmaking from Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, India in 2004 under the ICCR Scholarship by the Indian Government. He continued his artistic research at Tokyo University of Fine Art, Japan (2010 to 2012) under the Monbukagakusho Research Scholarship, courtesy of the Japanese Government, and completed his PhD from Dhaka University in 2017.

Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman’s 1st Solo Exhibition was held at the Zainul Gallery, Dhaka University in 2005. Before that, his 1st open studio exhibition was held at Nandan Gallery (M.F.A Submission), Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, India, in 2004 - and his 2nd open studio exhibition was held at Gedai Gallery (Research Submission), Tokyo University of The Fine Art, Japan in 2012.

Notable among the artist’s awards are the Diploma (3rd place) in the category “Small format graphics” in The First International Small Form Graphic Trienale & Exucubris, Planet for All, Ukraine, 2022; Honorable Award in International Art Fest 2021-22, (Microtopia), Bangladesh, arranged by Chittagong Art Club and Gallery Chitrak; E- Certificate Award Winner, GAWA Annual International Watercolor Online Contest-2019; Elizabeth Greenshields Award, Canada-2009, Best Award in Printmaking at the 16th (2008) and 15th (2004) Young Artists Art Exhibition, Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Best Award in Printmaking in Annual Art Exhibition, Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University (1998). 

In his illustrious career, Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions at home and abroad, including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA)’s Young Artists Art Exhibition, National Art Exhibition, Asian Art Biennale; and many other exhibitions in Japan, India, Ukraine, Serbia, Taiwan, and Australia, to name a few. From 2019-2022, he acted as the Chairman of the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University.

The workshop will continue every day from 10 am to 5 pm and will conclude on May 13.