Firdousi Priyabhashini (19 February 1947 – 6 March 2018) remains one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated sculptors, renowned for her unique approach to art that combined simplicity with profound aesthetic depth. Her works, often crafted from everyday materials, bridged the gap between professional artistry and popular accessibility, earning her both public admiration and critical acclaim. Through her creations, she explored themes of nature, human struggle, national history, and the inner life of ordinary people.
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Early Life and Education
Born on 19 February 1947 in Matulalay, Khulna, Firdousi was the eldest of eleven children of Syed Mahbubul Haq and Rawshan Hasina. She pursued her early education at Pioneer Girls School, Khulna, completing her SSC, followed by HSC and a degree from Khulna Girls School.
Personal Life and Career
Firdousi entered her first marriage in 1963 and married a second time in 1972 to Ahsan Ullah Ahmed, a first-class government officer. Together they had six children: three sons and three daughters.
Her professional career spanned from 1977 to 1998, during which she worked in various capacities, including teaching. She also held positions at international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, and the Canadian Embassy in Bangladesh. In the later years of her life, she devoted herself entirely to artistic creation, producing an extensive body of work that reflected her personal vision and social concerns.
Artistic Approach and Contribution
Firdousi’s artistic journey began with a simple desire to decorate her home creatively. She utilised natural, easily accessible materials such as fallen leaves, dried branches, tree bark, and wood pieces to craft aesthetically striking sculptures and home decorations. Her work demonstrated that artistic beauty is not limited by wealth, and even low-income communities could transform their surroundings through imaginative creativity.
Her sculptures often reflected:
The intrinsic relationship between humans and nature
The memories and trauma of Bangladesh’s Liberation War
The empowerment and dignity of women
Awards and Recognition
| Award / Honour | Year / Granting Organisation |
|---|---|
| Independence Award | 2010, Government of Bangladesh |
| Reader’s Digest Hero | December 2004 |
| Anannya Top Award | — |
| Silver Jubilee Award (YWCA) | — |
| Various Human Rights Organisation Awards | — |
Legacy and Passing
Firdousi Priyabhashini passed away on 6 March 2018. Her philosophy of simplicity infused with creativity, and her belief in the power of nature as a medium of expression, continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. She was more than a sculptor; she embodied courage, creativity, and dignity. Her memory and artistic contributions remain an enduring part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.
Tribute: Firdousi Priyabhashini’s work stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity, the power of nature, and the resilience of the human spirit.