ISLAMABAD,: His works have become increasingly collectable because of his distinctive and unique style. And according to the internationally-acclaimed artist Jamal Ahmed, he has found more admirers in Pakistan than his home country Bangladesh.

That was why he brought his art to exhibit in Islamabad for the first time. He had returned to Pakistan after exhibiting thrice in Karachi five years ago.

Tanzara Gallery opened its doors to large scale colourful riverscapes, landscapes and figurative paintings Friday evening and Jamal Ahmed’s works found immediate following.

Long established as one of Bangladesh’s leading painters, he is in a class of artists now recognised internationally.

Extensively exhibited in Bangladesh and abroad, Jamal Ahmed’s work has a distinct flair, which sets him apart from the work of his contemporaries. He is a professor in the drawing and painting department, Dhaka University.

“Jamal Ahmed’s artistic development during the last few decades completely transcends other Bangladeshi artists,” said the gallery’s owner and curator of the exhibition Noshi Qadir who explained how there was no other parallel that drew with his verve or paints with the unique human warmth that he does.

Jamal Ahmed approached his subjects with empathy and passion and immortalised them in his impressionistic style.

He painted meticulously with skill and dexterity. And his outlook was adventurous and with command over many techniques of drawing and painting.

Be it the semi nude female figure, the bearded fakir, magnificent landscape, or a cluster of pigeons – his paintings were moving, lyrical and poised as if one were approaching them in real life. The colours were minimal but the bold strokes added poetry to Jamal Ahmed’s work.

“I love the result of my techniques and emotions mixing together,” said the painter standing before an image he painted on the river bank of Buri Gonga River near Dhaka. His impressions were a mix of painting on spot, from photographs and individuals who modeled for him.

According to art critics, as did artists from the Renaissance period, Jamal Ahmed too presented the essence of the beauty of human body in all its glory. His portraits took the viewers back to the realm of the European masters.

Jamal Ahmed has exhibited across continents in Japan, Poland, UK, US, India, Pakistan and innumerable times in Bangladesh.

He has won coveted awards and acclaim both at home and overseas. His works are in public and private collections worldwide.

Jamal Ahmed recalled finishing nearly 8,000 paintings that he exhibited in 50 solo shows.

Moreover, he was a follower of the art works by Pakistani painters – Jamil Nux, Chughtai and Sadequain and some contemporary painters including Naheed Raza were some of his favourites. While visitors were all praise for him describing the paintings as quality art, the exhibition would continue adding to the treat they were having until March 3.