Md Tokon (B.1980) Lovers in the Garden

Md Tokon (B.1980) Lovers in the Garden signed and dated '2023' verso acrylic on canvas 183 x 213cm (72 1/16 x 83 7/8in). Footnotes: 'My first job in New York was construction. I would paint houses, only for a week or two, and I was falling in love with it. Every time I would paint someone's house wall, I would feel like it was my canvas.' For Md Tokon, the path to becoming a prolific painter in New York was not paved with ease. It began at Dhaka University of Fine Arts back in 1998, where the artist's painting stint lasted two years before his venture to New York in 2001. A pivotal moment ensued upon arrival in the city—an awakening sparked by visits to galleries and museums, where the works of Rothko, Pollock, and Monet kindled a profound dream. For the auction, Tokon presents 'Lovers in the Garden', a testament to the artist's subconscious journey. With every stroke, colour and line intertwined, forming an atmospheric garden that encapsulates the artist's breath and movement. 'It's a garden, atmospheric. I felt like the way I was breathing and movements were in there within the brushstrokes. Sometimes I stop and question if my work is speaking to me. Many times, I make a powerful line and then it's gone underneath all the layers and sometimes I just leave the soft layers. Sometimes I can't go back and miss them,' Tokon says. The pursuit of Tokon's goal to be an artist led him to the City University of New York in 2003, where he majored in Art and Communication Design. However, it was outside the structured curriculum, at the Art Students League of New York, where his true practice blossomed. Painting there during weekends under instructors offered glimpses into the stories of revered artists who once frequented the same space. 'For the last 23 years, I've been in New York. Now, I have an independent studio. I couldn't afford it then. There was a time I used to live in one room, where I used to sleep, eat, and paint,' he says. While starting out, there were days when quality paints were unaffordable, pushing Tokon to employ enamel paint, repurposed from his stint in house painting—a temporary job that unexpectedly instilled a sense of artistic ownership. 'My first job in New York was construction. I would paint houses, only for a week or two, and I was falling in love with it. Every time I would paint someone's house wall, I would feel like it was my canvas.' Yet, this unconventional choice was not without repercussions. The pungent odour of house paint led to a clash with an instructor, but the artist's determination to push through prevailed. 'I almost cried that day. I could've stopped right there and ruined my career but I didn't stop.' Juggling multiple jobs while nurturing his practice, Tokon found solace in painting on wood, eventually earning the instructor's appreciation. What initially led to a tense moment later transformed into camaraderie, even resulting in the instructor writing an article about the artist—a milestone in his growth within the New York art scene. Driven by a profound appreciation for non-objective art, Tokon's works embody a fascination with stories hidden in unknown spaces that captivate his gaze. 'What your eye notices is very important. I realised that non-objective work touched me more. I'm interested in unknown places and unknown stories.' For Tokon, art is more than mere expression; it is akin to prayer–a process that involves surrendering to an inexplicable force, lending an almost spiritual essence to his work. Each stroke on the canvas signifies a dance–a rhythm that resonates within, often concealed beneath layers, imparting a sense of meditation to those who engage with his work. 'When I paint, I don't know what's going on. Sometimes it's like someone is forcing me. I never sit while painting. I dance on the canvas.' In Tokon's studio, photographs of influential figures like Bob Dylan and Pablo Picasso and quotes by Philip Guston and Claude Monet adorn the walls. 'I have photos of Bob Dylan, Rabindranath Tagore, and Satyajit Ray, among others. Sometimes I feel like they're watching over me. I have two quotes on my wall. One is by Philip Guston which is, 'Frustration is one of the great things in art. Satisfaction is nothing.' The second is by Claude Monet, 'People discuss my art and pretend to understand as if it were necessary to understand, when it's simply necessary to love.'' As Tokon navigates the labyrinth of his vision as an artist, each work is a testament to his unyielding passion, offering viewers an immersive experience beyond comprehension—a journey of tenderness, frustration, and unwavering dedication instilled into every stroke of his brush. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing