Aminul Islam Ashik

This book is a compilation of images of a metal sculpture series Gentle Grass by Anisuzzaman Faroque, along with few of his charcoal drawings and some anecdotes reflecting on the works. The sculptures presented here are a result of persistent efforts encompassing to capture the soft sensitivity in combination of various hard metals. The works in this book are in the sculptor’s words, are a part of his various personal experiences and journey from the beginning to formulating his artist life.This book is a compilation of images of a metal sculpture series Gentle Grass by Anisuzzaman Faroque, along with few of his charcoal drawings and some anecdotes reflecting on the works. The sculptures presented here are a result of persistent efforts encompassing to capture the soft sensitivity in combination of various hard metals. The works in this book are in the sculptor’s words, are a part of his various personal experiences and journey from the beginning to formulating his artist life.

This catalogue features a special selection of works from the Gallery Cosmos collection, available for acquisition through ARTCON. Showcasing modern masters and emerging voices, the collection reflects Bangladesh’s evolving art scene, built through landmark exhibitions, commissions, and acquisitions. It celebrates authenticity, creativity, and the enduring legacy of Bangladeshi art.

Gentle Grass a sculpture series presented here by Anisuzzaman Faroque takes a frozen form of unspoken poetry, like spontaneous melody they are free flowing. With a hard cold material: metal, he tried to portray a soft sensitivity like elevating a lone blade of grass to an icon. The mood of which can also be felt in the solid and delicate positioning in his charcoal drawings included in the book. This series tends to captivate that core element, like the piece 'Underwater Iron Plant' – the form deriving from sea-washed nature where Faroque's formulative years were developed. In many stances, elongated limbs influenced by surrealistic style can be felt in his both organic and inorganic element pieces like, 'Hanging Moon' or 'Very Complicated Chair'. Forms often take kinetic movement developing naturally, like 'Flying Iron Wings I & II': where limited material is fashioned to give a far bigger form. In some works, combination of metals are used to bring out the character of the piece, such collaborations are seen in few of the pieces like 'Special Child I & II' or 'Orchid Flower in Bird's Beak'. Another characteristic can be noticed in his various representation of grass, where instead of being presented in its full glory, torn and distorted blades of grass is magnified to capture its composition in the aftermath. This publication comes as a presentation from ARTcon as a facilitation to the promising journey of Anisuzzaman's sincere and relentless search and efforts to establish in formulating his own unique forms, with the wishes for a long creative path.

FACE OF LIFE is a compelling art book showcasing the powerful sculptural and conceptual practice of Aminul Islam Ashik, one of Bangladesh’s most provocative contemporary visual artists. Anchored in the symbolism of the human face and the metaphor of the “seat,” Ashik’s work explores emotional depth, societal conflict, and political power. This monograph accompanies his first solo exhibition, FACE OF LIFE, at Zainul Gallery, University of Dhaka, and features over 40 sculptures, drawings, and installations created between 2010 and 2025. Through materials like fiberglass, bronze, iron, and wood, Ashik confronts the fragile balance between resilience and vulnerability, personal identity and collective memory. His artistic voice—blending surrealism, political critique, and postmodern expression—offers a profound meditation on existence, power structures, and humanity’s place in nature. With essays, curatorial notes, and rare studio insights, FACE OF LIFE is both a visual archive and a philosophical journey into the art and mind of a transformative sculptor.