Unity in diversity

Ambassadors of Denmark, Germany and Norway, hosted Art Weekend 2017 on July 21-22 at their respective residences.

The weekend largely highlighted and exhibited the works of Bangladeshi artists. The aim was to build bridges between the Bangladeshi art scene and the international community. The event provided an opportunity for promising talents to exhibit their works for a select audience.

Danish Ambassador Mikael Hemniti Winther exhibited artworks by -- Lumbiny Dewan, Nomosta Rema and Sudhip Chakma -- indigenous artists from Chittagong Hill Tracts. Maria Sultana Mumu, designer and founder of the Maria Mumu Fashion House, displayed her design works inspired by the spirit of the Bangladeshi youth, weaving Persian, European and Bangladeshi motifs on Muslin. Tenzing Chakma also showcased his beautiful works inspired by indigenous motifs and designs at the residence.

Shamim Shorif Susom is a young aviator and photographer whose works were exhibited at the German ambassador's residence. The Norwegian ambassador's residence showcased works by 13 artists of the Fine Arts Institute, Khulna University. They displayed drawings, paintings and sculptures inspired by renowned Norwegian author and freedom of speech advocate Henrik Ibsen.

Assuring more such art weekends in the coming years, Danish Ambassador Mikael Hemniti Winther, a passionate musician, said, “I hope that through this initiative, the friendship between Bangladesh and Denmark will reach new heights as both countries have many common interests. Culture, art and music are all about connecting people. In Bangladesh we always talk about the various challenges hindering development, but sometimes we need to remember the beauty talented Bangladeshi artists can generate. Denmark has been engaged in CHT for many years for women's development, human rights and reducing poverty, and so we have showcased their artists' works as well. CHT is a special place and the indigenous people need to raise their own voices not only at the backdrop of landslide, flooding and land grabbing but also through the art and the beauty they have.”

“The watercolours by Sudhip Chakma and Nomosta Rema, a Garo artist, are beautiful. They have depicted pure nature as well as its affects by urbanisation.  The theme of Lumbiny Dewan's work (images of Buddha) is nice though her drawings are not mature enough. The indigenous artists tend to engage in their own arena. They have to come out of their cocoon and participate in workshops, outdoor works, competitions and exhibitions with the mainstream art scene,” said renowned artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma.