Aishwarya Raihan

Contributing writer for Arts & Entertainment.

‘Manyfestation’: A rustic drama of dynamic forms

Sarkar Nahid Niazi is a freelance artist who completed her education in drawing and painting from the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.

5d ago

Celebrating the best of art

The inauguration of the 25th National Art Exhibition took place at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on May 28.

1w ago

Contemporary Art Exhibition: an America-Bangladesh collaboration

The exhibiting artworks at Roy G Biv, were done by the artists along with the Shishu Polli Plus kids together at the shelter.

1w ago

‘PoroCity’- Exploring Dhaka’s urbanism through architecture

The installation in the Kala Kendra premises invites the general mass to the venue and creates a welcoming place, connected with the urban spaces.

3w ago

‘Introspection’: Rumana Rahman’s paintings evoke nostalgia

The most prominent characteristic of her artistry is that the subjects she chose appear as if they were from a dream world.

3w ago

A jazzy afternoon with David Spencer

One after another harmony of instruments left the small hall all lively and joyful. The sound of the majestic trumpet along with a quirky piano and tagging along the guitar and drums brought upon an elegant and charming environment

3w ago

A guide to Gallery ‘Para’

Another chunk of the city that contains more food for our soul –Lalmatia, otherwise known as the Gallery Para. There are six galleries, not all of which are widely known to the common mass. Let us dive deeper into it.

3w ago

‘Feelings of Peace’: Artist Sardar Samsul Islam’s last wish

The inauguration of “Feelings of Peace”—a solo art exhibition by the late Sardar Samsul Islam, took place at Gallery Chitrak in Dhanmondi on May 6, 2023. The ceremony was graced by the presence of veteran artist and cartoonist Rafiqun Nabi as the chief guest, and artist Shaheed Kabir as the special guest.

‘Prachya and Dualmonism’ –Tamima Sultana interprets Selim Al Deen’s play

The interior of Kala Kendra holds Tamima’s surreal artworks. Being asked about ‘dualmonism’, Tamima said that it is the art philosophy of Salim Al Deen where an idea or a concept can be expressed through several art forms; just like Dhaka Theater actors performed “Prachya” brilliantly, she attempted to depict the play through her paintings.

A conversation of ‘Self-Love’ with Nazia Andaleeb Preema

Her passion for dynamic techniques has resulted in her doing 25 solo expositions in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Japan, USA, UK, Turkey, Morocco, and Uzbekistan.

Remembering Faraaz through Proshanta Karmakar’s Art

Slated to run till April 19, 2023, the exhibition also has abstract paintings in bright colors and letters inspired from love and compassion that is extended towards Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain, by the people he has left behind.

Demon Slayer returns with season 3

After waiting for what felt like forever, “Demon Slayer” (Kimetsu no Yaiba) returned with its third and latest season, ‘The Swordsmith Village Arc’.

‘Atlas of Dissent’: The venom of colonisation

The extensive oppression of British colonisation in the Indian subcontinent has broken the backbone and the spirit of the people in the region, for almost two hundred years. The effects of this era can still be witnessed today.

‘US Women’: An artistic tribute to the spirit of women

March is celebrated around the world as the month of women, with the 8th being International Women’s Day. To honour and commemorate the revolution of women in society, the EMK Center in Dhaka observes ‘Women’s History Month’ through visual art exhibitions every year, titled “US Women”.

‘The Fearless Call-II’: Remembering Bangabandhu

The inauguration of “The Fearless Call-II” took place at Russel Square, Dhanmondi 32, on March 17 at 10am—the birthday of the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

‘DOTS': Exploring tiny artworks

Back in 16th century, small portraits were made using vellum, copper, ivory etc. The portraits were part of illuminators that held a manuscript and a medal.

‘Nutrition Stories- Collaborative Responsibility for Change’: In the wake of natural disasters

On March 2, Kala Kendra inaugurated “Nutrition Stories: Collaborative Responsibility for Change”.

‘Portraits of Artists’: Seeing the faces behind the art

On February 23, 2023, Bengal Shilpalay held the book launch ceremony for “Portraits of Artists”, coupled with an exhibition.

‘Nodee Nebe!’ –An appeal to save the rivers of Bangladesh

‘Nodi Nebe!’ –An appeal to save the rivers of Bangladesh

The decline in river water and how we are losing our natural resource has been beautifully portrayed through “Nodi Nebe!” –a photography exhibition by Kakoli Prodhan. This is a plea to save rivers, as they have life too.

‘Baksher Baire’ –Art for healing

During the workshop, the eight artists –Dina Zaman, Sadia Hussain Ether, Abir Shome, Syed Tareq Rahman, Jewel A. Rob, Sanjid Mahmud, Rupam Roy, Emran Sohel produced art pieces along with the kids of Shishupolli. Dina herself wore full white clothes and asked the kids to paint on them. They also painted with the art supplies they received at the workshop. It ended with a small cultural program by the residents of Shishupolli.

‘Baksher Baire’: An art workshop for underprivileged children

The workshop will feature eight emerging Bangladeshi artists with their 2D, collaborative, and collective artworks.

Arrivederci, Dhaka Art Summit

DAS 2023 was a blast that left us with more appreciation and appetite for art. Two years will go by soon and before we know it, DAS will be back in 2025 hopefully, with a bigger burst of emotions, skills, and creativity.

The everlasting charm of Dhaka Art Summit

February is the month of spring, love, books, and flowers. Along with Ekushey Boi Mela, this month also sees the return of the biggest arena of art and culture—Dhaka Art Summit (DAS) 2023.

Dhaka Art Summit: Day 1 Recap

Day one of Dhaka Art Summit (DAS) 2023 kicked-off at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on February 3, 2023.

‘Self and Others’: Rumky’s mysterious and magical artistry

The opening ceremony for Hasura Akther Rumky’s first solo exhibition, ‘Self and Others’, took place at Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD) on Friday, January 27.

‘In/Visible’ –Women, Art, and Violence

The female physique has always been an object of love, passion, desire, and lust regardless of race, caste, place, and time. Human world and its growth revolves around the womb. However, the body of a woman is also a reflection of male domination and violence. And the wounds it receives, visible or not, can tell horrifying stories. Dilara Begum Jolly’s solo exhibition ‘In/visible’ is a depiction of female bodies and the injuries inflicted upon them.

“Bengal Stream”: Exploring the ever growing architecture of the land

The opening ceremony of ‘Bengal Stream: The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh’ was held at Bengal Shilpalay December 10, 2022. M.A Mannan, Honorable Minister of Planning, Government of Bangladesh inaugurated the exhibition as the Chief Guest. Nathalie Chuard, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, and Honorable Member of Parliament, Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor, were also present as Special Guests at the event.

LenZKraft: Connecting fantasy and glamour through photography

Photography is so much more than just a click of the camera. Like paintings, photography has contributed to the world of visual arts in a diversified way. Speaking of photography, we had the privilege of talking to the fashion photographer of Bangladesh in 2022, Sheikh Suraiya Rehnuma, the founder of LenZKraft.

Airport Style: Revival of a classic-wear in Bangladesh

‘Airport Style’ is a rising clothier brand run by young entrepreneurs who have recently made a name in the fashion industry of Bangladesh. We had the opportunity to talk to the founders, Ashiq Seraj and Imayan Vignarajah, on their three-year journey.

Maa

Delicate like butterfly wings, And yet as strong as boulders Her mind is a divine place, Eternal peace on her shoulders.

Morph(in)- Humans, metaphors, and dystopia

"Morph(in)", a visual art exhibition by Reesham Shahab Tirtho, Ata Mojlish, Abir Shome, and Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo was inaugurated at Dwip Gallery, Lalmatia on December 02, 2022. The four artists took the initiative to showcase their artworks following a certain concept and "Morph(in)" is the result of their artistry.

‘Artists Make Space’: Stories of survival, revival and reformation

The first piece of AMS is ‘Lost in Translation’ by visual artist Azizee Fawmi Khan. In search of the soul of a lost city, the artist traveled to Panam Nagar, collected some of its snippets—including the local folktales—and found a connection with the drama ‘Neel Darpan’ by Dinabandhu Mitra.

Saifuddin Ahmed's Dreams Ascendant’ solo exhibition

‘Dreams Ascendant’: Saifuddin Ahmed’s enchanting artistry

Abstraction has always been an intriguing medium of expression. In recent years, abstract art has made its way to the general spectators, outside of just artists and patrons. As one of the most popular elements of modern-art, abstraction brings forth unknown and unseen emotions and thought-processes. “Dreams Ascendant”, Saifuddin Ahmed’s first solo exhibition, shows a dominance of this particular style. The inauguration of the exhibition took place at Gallery Shilpangan, Lalmatia on December 4. Artist and cartoonist Shishir Bhattacharjee, and Professor Nisar Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Art at University of Dhaka were present at the opening ceremony.

‘My Blue Stories’: Serbia through the eyes of Russian painter Sofya Yechina

The inauguration of “My Blue Stories”—the solo painting exhibition of Russian artist, Sofya Yechina—took place at Gallery Chitrak on October 24. Dr Hasan Mahmud, Honourable Minister of Information was present as the chief guest of the event. Also present at event, were His Excellency (HE) Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, as the special guest, and pioneer cartoonist Prof Rafiqun Nabi as the chairperson. “My Blue Stories” has been curated by art critic Aminur Rahman.

The Black Door

A realm with a big black door, I badly want to explore; A signage with a flower of gold, Worn out but not too old,

‘The Journey’- Arafat Hosen’s magically translucent brushstrokes

Watercolour is one of the simplest yet challenging mediums of painting. Once you start a piece, it’s a race against time as one must know how to time the layers of paints. Thus it requires the utmost precision to produce a watercolour painting. ‘The Journey’ by artist Arafat Hosen is a marvelous exhibition containing his watercolour pieces.

‘Stitching’: Displaced women of Cox’s Bazar display their talent

Embroidery is one of the oldest art forms in the history of mankind. The most well-known embroidery of Bangladesh is Nakshi Kantha, done with the threads drawn from saree borders. These used to be cherished gifts in families, the motifs and patterns reflected religious and cultural beliefs, and comprised of flowers, foliage, birds, fish, and animals.

‘Hidden Beauty’: Khurshid Saleem’s dramatic aesthetics on display at Gallery Chitrak

“Hidden Beauty”, Khurshid Saleem's 80th exhibition, will run at Gallery Chitrak till October 22..

‘Doob 2.0’- A plea to save the city’s biodiversity

The inauguration of ‘Doob 2.0- a miniaturesque art exhibition’ took place at the EMK Center, Dhanmondi 27, on September 24, 2022. Initiated by Azizee Fawmi Khan, Doob 2.0 is an attempt to point out the changes in our biodiversity caused by gradual urbanisation.

‘The Transient’: Fleeting Emotions through Aneek Mustafa Anwar’s lenses

In collaboration with the German Embassy, Kala Kendra inaugurated “Transient”, Aneek Mustafa Anwar’s first solo photography exhibition, on September 23, 2022. The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Excellency Achim Troster, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. Photographer and Principal of Counter Foto- A Center for Visual Arts, Saiful Huq Omi also attended the event as a guest. Curated by Wakilur Rahman, the exhibition started off after the valuable speeches from the guests.

‘Ephemeral Reflection’: Art for a Cause

The inauguration ceremony for “Ephemeral Reflection” took place in Arcadia Arts, a contemporary art gallery in Banani on September 23.

‘Reflections’: Irani Ahmed’s sorcery of fabric and stitches

The inauguration of “Reflections”—a solo exhibition by Irani Ahmed—took place at Gallery Chitrak on Friday, September 23.

Random Harvests: GMME Karim’s photographic magnificence

Photography is, most certainly, one of the most fascinating art forms, being able to capture time and memories in a visual medium that we can look back on even years down the line. Ghulam Murshed Mohd. Ehsanul Karim (GMME Karim), one of the finest photographers in Bangladesh, provides spectators and photography enthusiasts the opportunity to transcend the barriers of time, and revisit the past through his solo photography exhibition, "Random Harvests", which is currently being exhibited at the Bengal Shilpalay.

Drik celebrates 33rd anniversary with Amiya Tarafdar’s ‘The Long Journey Home’

Drik Gallery has celebrated its 33rd founding anniversary with the inauguration of Indian photographer Amiya Tafadar’s solo exhibition “The Long Journey Home”. The exhibition, featuring heart-wrenching photographs captured during the War of Liberation, 1971– was inaugurated on September 4, 2022. This open-for-all exhibition will run at Drik Gallery from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM every day till September 16, 2022.

Drik celebrates 33rd anniversary with Amiya Tarafdar’s ‘The Long Journey Home’

The Day I die

Poignant lines on wishful death

Artworks upholding the cultural identity of Bangladesh

Bengal Arts Programme launched the exhibition “Sanghatir Samayalap”, displaying the phenomenal artworks of legendary artists who contributed to shape the cultural, and political backdrop of this country. The exhibition was inaugurated in Quamrul Hassan Exhibition Hall, Bengal Shilpalay, on August 3, 2022.

Noverar Khoje: Reminiscing the pioneer of modern sculptures in Bangladesh

“Noverar Khoje” is an exhibition that has been organised with the purpose of enlightening the new generation about the legendary sculptor and painter, Novera Ahmed. The 17 female artists, who are participating in the exhibition, took an initiative to display their works on women empowerment, keeping in mind Novera’s legacy.

June 3, 2023