Rafiqun Nabi (1943): The Artistic Luminary of Bangladesh

Rafiqun Nabi, affectionately known as Ranabi, is a name that resonates deeply in Bangladesh’s artistic and social spheres. Born on November 28, 1943, Rafiqun Nabi has made a significant impact as an artist and cartoonist. His most iconic creation, Tokai, symbolizes the lives of impoverished street children in Dhaka. Through his art and cartoons, Nabi skillfully portrays the stark realities of Bangladesh’s political and socioeconomic landscape.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the world of art and his unwavering commitment to social commentary, Rafiqun Nabi was honored with the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 1993 by the government of Bangladesh. Let’s delve deeper into this legendary Bangladeshi artist’s life, education, and remarkable career.

Early Life and Education

Rafiqun Nabi was born in the Nawabganj District, which is now part of northwest Bangladesh, in 1943. His early exposure to art came at a young age, largely thanks to his father’s influence. In the early 1950s, his father took him to a painting exhibition hosted at the Bardhaman House, now known as the Bangla Academy. This visit sparked a deep passion for art within Nabi.

He pursued his academic journey in the realm of art, completing both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the East Pakistan College of Arts and Crafts, which is presently known as the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. During his formative years as a student, he had the privilege of learning under the guidance of eminent artists like Zainul Abedin and Quamrul Hassan. Nabi received a scholarship from the Asia Foundation from 1962 to 1964 to further enrich his artistic skills.

Nabi’s quest for artistic mastery led him to Greece, where he studied printmaking at the Athens School of Fine Arts from 1973 to 1976, thanks to the Greek Government’s postgraduate scholarship. Notably, Nabi’s academic journey was not limited to his education; he also served as a faculty member at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, from 1964 to 2010, nurturing and inspiring future generations of artists.

The Artistic Journey Begins

Rafiqun Nabi embarked on his professional journey as a cartoonist in 1963. His initial contributions were featured in Weekly Purbodesh, marking the commencement of a remarkable artistic career. In the mid-1960s, Nabi gained recognition as a regular contributor to Shochitro Shandhani, where he illustrated the column “Kaal Penchar Dairy” by Abdul Gani Hazari.

In the late 1960s, Nabi’s artistic prowess found a platform in the Weekly Express, an English periodical that showcased his creative talent. By 1969, he became involved with the publication Forum, which was published under the editorship of Rehman Sobhan and Hamida Hossain. Nabi’s journey as a cartoonist was marked by versatility and a keen sense of social commentary.

The Birth of Tokai

Rafiqun Nabi’s return from Greece in 1976 marked a significant turning point in his career. He began contributing his cartoons to Weekly Bichitra and Dainik Bangla publications. During this period, Nabi introduced the world to a character who became an enduring social commentary symbol: Tokai.

Tokai, a character born from Nabi’s artistic imagination, debuted in the anniversary issue of Bichitra in May 1977. Tokai represents the impoverished street boys of Dhaka who eke out their existence by scavenging for discarded items or resorting to begging. With a shaved head and a potbelly, this character can convey profound and often painful truths about Bangladesh’s political and socioeconomic conditions.

Nabi’s artistic talents transcend the realm of cartoons. He is celebrated for his work in paintings, engravings, and drawings. His artistic endeavors encompass a wide range, from printmaking to painting and watercolor to oil or acrylic on canvas. Throughout his various artistic explorations, there is a recurring theme of capturing the rural landscape and the lives of the hardworking masses.

The Artistic Philosophy of Rafiqun Nabi

Rafiqun Nabi, known by his pen name as the creator of Tokai, is driven by a deep-seated inclination to depict stories of social relevance. In his cartoons, especially the famous Tokai series, he presents a witty and acerbic character who grapples with life’s anomalies. In contrast, his prints and paintings often seek to evoke tranquillity, often associated with rural nature.

Born in Chapai Nawabganj, Bangladesh, in 1943, Rafiqun Nabi’s artistic journey began during his school days in Old Dhaka. A pivotal moment he had occurred in 1954 when his father, a police officer and amateur painter, took him to an art exhibition at Burdwan House, which is now the Bangla Academy. This experience ignited a passion for art within Nabi, and the cartoons of David Low particularly influenced him.

After completing his education at the College of Art and Craft in Dhaka, Rafiqun Nabi started his teaching career in the painting department of the same college in 1964. This period coincided with the political upheaval of the 1960s, as he, like many other students, actively participated in social activism to promote Bengali nationalism. Nabi’s quest for artistic enrichment took him to the Athens School of Fine Arts in 1973, where he pursued printmaking under a postgraduate scholarship program.

Awards and Recognitions

Rafiqun Nabi’s artistic prowess has been recognized and celebrated through numerous awards and accolades. Some of the notable awards in his illustrious career include:

• Promoters Prize at Inter Graphic-80 in Berlin (1980).
• Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award in 1989.
• Ekushey Padak (the highest civilian award for contribution to Fine Arts) in 1993.
• Agrani Bank Award for Children’s Book Design in 1995.
• S M Sultan Padak in 2002.
• Multiple awards from the National Book Centre for Children’s Book Cover Design between 1968 and the 1990s.

The Diverse Canvases of Rafiqun Nabi

Rafiqun Nabi is a multifaceted artist known for his diverse works encompassing cartoons, paintings, prints, woodcuts, and engravings. His art transcends the boundaries of artistic mediums, allowing him to convey his powerful messages in various forms. Let’s take a closer look at some of the critical aspects of Nabi’s artistic repertoire:

Tokai – The Iconic Character

Tokai, one of Rafiqun Nabi’s most iconic creations, holds a special place in the hearts of many in Bangladesh and beyond. Tokai is a street urchin, characterized by his distinctive potbelly and shaved head. This character encapsulates the struggles and hardships of poverty and deprivation in Bangladesh. Despite his difficult circumstances, Tokai radiates cheerful wit and serves as a satirical reflection of the nation’s socioeconomic conditions. The character of Tokai has become a symbol of resilience for the underprivileged in the country, resonating with people from all walks of life.

Capturing Human Realities

Rafiqun Nabi’s artistic versatility is evident in his ability to capture the essence of human life in various contexts. His departure from the world of cartoons is showcased in his painting “Fishermen at Rest” (2012). This masterpiece portrays hunched figures entangled in each other’s company as they sleep, play cards, and create melodies with flutes. The intimate proximity of the fishermen contrasts with the vastness of the pier and the distant sea, symbolizing the camaraderie and shared struggles within the challenging fishing industry of Bangladesh. Nabi’s art breathes life and vibrancy into these individuals’ experiences, which can also be observed in other works such as “After the Catch” and “Recreation.”

Historical Reflections

In his painting “Boddho Bhumi” or “Killing Field” (2004), Rafiqun Nabi delves into the theme of Bangladesh’s liberation. This artwork provides a unique perspective, using abstraction to evoke the emotions surrounding this pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Nabi’s art goes beyond social commentary and reflects on significant historical events shaping Bangladesh’s identity.

Nature and Beauty

In paintings like “Rooster” (2008), Nabi turns his attention to the beauty of nature, focusing on animals that he depicts with a dreamlike quality. His art explores the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world, highlighting the profound connection.

A Deep Connection with Nature

A profound connection with nature is at the heart of Rafiqun Nabi’s artistry. His works often reflect his reactions to the mysteries and beauty of the natural world. His paintings, characterized by sharp shadows and melting tones, exude an ethereal appeal. Nabi believes landscape paintings have an ethereal touch that resonates deeply with viewers.

His current solo exhibition, showcased at the Dhaka Art Centre in Dhanmondi, is a testament to his enduring passion for depicting nature and the lives of people within it.

The Language of Art

Nabi’s art is a visual experience and a profound language through which he communicates his observations, emotions, and social commentary. His meticulous attention to detail is evident in his paintings, which require a deep understanding of composition and the arrangement of figures. As an artist with a subtle touch, Nabi’s works are characterized by his depth of thought and dedication to every piece.

Family and Bonding

Nabi’s art reflects his strong sense of family values and the significance of bonding. Several of his paintings depict the joys of family life. His skillful portrayal of parents and children captures the essence of familial bonds and human connections. The backgrounds of his paintings are enriched with large compositions and diverse, vague forms that carry his hallmark.

Synergy Between Humans and Nature

Nabi’s growing focus on the synergy between human beings and nature is evident in his works. His art celebrates the everyday lives of people living in rural areas, highlighting the profound connection between humans, animals, and the natural world. Although he often avoids the metropolitan setting, his paintings evoke a sense of nostalgia, reflecting the inevitable march of urbanization that threatens to encroach upon rural landscapes.

Experimental Realism

Rafiqun Nabi is an artist who embraces experimental realism. He skillfully blends romanticism and impressionism to create art that captures the essence of both urban and rural life. His compositions often explore architectural lines and the use of space, resulting in intriguing and impressionistic artworks.

The Essence of Drawing

Drawing holds a special place in Nabi’s artistic philosophy. From the early stages of his career, he emphasized the importance of drawing, remarkably still life, subject study, and pastoral atmospheres. Nabi views drawing as a reflection of an artist’s observations and as the fundamental foundation of art.

The Enduring Legacy

Rafiqun Nabi’s artistic journey is marked by versatility, depth, and a profound commitment to social commentary. His iconic character, Tokai, has become a symbol of resilience for the underprivileged in Bangladesh, and his art mirrors the nation’s socioeconomic and political conditions. Nabi’s diverse artistic repertoire, from cartoons to paintings, captures the essence of human life and the mysteries of nature.

His contributions to the art world have been acknowledged with many awards, a testament to his enduring impact as an artist and social commentator. As we explore the remarkable artistic journey of Rafiqun Nabi, we witness an artist whose work continues to inspire and provoke thought, shedding light on the complexities of life in Bangladesh and beyond. His legacy is an enduring testament to the power of art to communicate, provoke, and reflect the human experience.

Rafiqun Nabi Gallery

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Read also

• Shishir Bhattacharjee (1960-): The Satirical Brush of Bangladeshi Art
• Meena: An Iconic Character that Shaped Societies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rafiqun Nabi

1. Who is Rafiqun Nabi, and why is he famous?

Rafiqun Nabi is a renowned Bangladeshi artist and cartoonist. He is best known for creating the character Tokai, which symbolizes the struggles of poor street boys in Dhaka and reflects the socioeconomic conditions of Bangladesh.

2. What is Tokai, and what does the character represent?

Tokai is a character created by Rafiqun Nabi. Tokai represents the impoverished street boys in Dhaka who scavenge for a living. The character is known for sharing simple yet poignant truths about Bangladesh’s current political and socioeconomic situation.

3. When and where was Rafiqun Nabi born?

Rafiqun Nabi was born on 28 November 1943 in Chapai Nawabganj, Bangladesh.

4. What is Rafiqun Nabi’s educational background?

Rafiqun Nabi completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the East Pakistan College of Arts and Crafts (now Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka). He also studied under the supervision of artists like Zainul Abedin and Quamrul Hassan. Additionally, he received a scholarship from the Asia Foundation and studied printmaking at the Athens School of Fine Arts.

5. How long did Rafiqun Nabi serve as a faculty member at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka?

Rafiqun Nabi served as a faculty member at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, from 1964 to 2010.

6. What are some publications and periodicals where Rafiqun Nabi’s cartoons have appeared?

Rafiqun Nabi’s cartoons have appeared in publications like Weekly Purbodesh, Shochitro Shandhani, Weekly Express, and Forum, among others.

7. Can you list some of the awards and honors received by Rafiqun Nabi?

Rafiqun Nabi has received several awards, including the Promoters Prize at Inter Graphic-80 in Berlin (1980), the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award (1989), and the Ekushey Padak (1993), which is the highest civilian award for contribution to Fine Arts in Bangladesh. He has also received other awards for book cover design and contributions to children’s literature.

8. What themes are prominent in Rafiqun Nabi’s artwork?

Rafiqun Nabi’s artwork covers a wide range of themes, including the lives of fishermen, rural landscapes, urban scenes, and social issues. His character Tokai, in particular, reflects the struggles of the underprivileged.

9. Where can one currently view Rafiqun Nabi’s solo exhibition?

The article mentions that Rafiqun Nabi’s current solo exhibition is displayed at Dhaka Art Centre in Dhanmondi.

10. What artistic styles and techniques does Rafiqun Nabi employ?

Rafiqun Nabi is known for his versatility and mastery of various artistic styles and techniques, including cartoons, paintings, prints, woodcuts, and engravings. His work often combines elements of romanticism and impressionism.