Shahabuddin Ahmed's solo art exhibition at Saju Art Gallery stands out for its featured mediums. The exhibition mainly includes drawings and prints. Ink has been predominately used for the drawings. A number of lithographs are on display at the exhibition. For litho, the artist has used metal plates to create bold prints. Litho is one of the complicated mediums but clearly visualises delicate lines and tones. The metal plate and the paper are positioned in a press and light pressure is used to transfer some of the ink. The original images are monochrome (pen and ink based). Needless to say, movement has been a recurring theme in Shahabuddin's works for the last three decades. Not only does the artist concentrate on human movements but his works also delineate a wide variety of animals. His drawings are engrossed with figures, which are the most central aspect of his drawings.
Shahabuddin perpetually focuses on the strength and power of the people of Bengal. His works depict contemporary life and times. He always tries to highlight the gallantry of our freedom fighters and their patriotism. He draws fearless figures and their bold movements. The artist uses space to increasingly interact with figures. The effective and aesthetic use of space brings about a sense of serenity in his works.
He frequently portrays Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Mahatma Gandhi, Satyajit Ray, Rabindranath Tagore and other legendary figures in his works. He not only portrays their images, but also pours into them human emotions and expressions. His skilled hands can capture any kind of struggle, pain and passion.
Shahabuddin's work also expresses the aesthetic beauty of Bengali women, their varied moods and eternal beauty. His sketches are powerful in their tone of lines and serenity. The ink sketches, in particular, are very lively and provocative.
"The Bull Fighter" is an evocative work that delineates the movement of a powerful bull. The bull seems forceful and desperate to free itself from bondage. Through the drawing, the artist emphasises liberty.
"Departure" is another litho work that depicts a man moving forward. The image is not clearly defined. The pale backdrop seems appealing. But the movement of the figure denotes the subject's pain and struggle.
"Wild Horse" is a litho piece, which shows a number of horses on the move towards to an unknown destination. The movements' symbolise power.
"Muktijuddho" is a drawing where the artist has highlighted a number of freedom fighters heading to an operation. The fighters look very heroic and gallant.