Contributing writer for Arts & Entertainment.
Papa Nurunnahar Kazi, a name resonating with artistic versatility, celebrates 50 years of her creative journey with “Ami Ek Jajabor” (The Wanderer). Recently inaugurated at the Safiuddin Gallery in Dhanmondi, the exhibition showcases 57 captivating artworks, each reflecting Papa's diverse talents. From vibrant renditions of wildlife to thought-provoking political commentaries, Papa's oeuvre reflects a lifetime of exploration and innovation.
Earlier on February 2, the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) in Ohio, USA, unveiled a captivating exhibition titled "Art of Bangladesh". Curated by Dina Zaman, a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, this exhibition promises to be a celebration of Bangladeshi art and culture, captivating audiences for three months with a diverse collection of creativity.
The inauguration of “Metropolitan Melodies”, the second solo art exhibition by artist Biplab Biprodas took place in the gallery of Art Bangla Foundation on March 1. The ceremony was graced by the presence of renowned artist Prof Rashid Amin, chairperson of the Department of Printmaking at Jagannath University as the main guest.
The inauguration of “Inward Gaze”, the first solo art exhibition of Syeda Asma Akber took place at the capital’s Gallery Chitrak, Dhanmondi yesterday (February 24). The event was graced by the presence of cartoonist Professor Rafiqun Nabi as the chairperson, famous artist Monirul Islam and Professor Nisar Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka as special guests.
Shilpangan, a contemporary art gallery in the capital held the opening ceremony of “Kauthopokauthon”, the fourth solo exhibition by artist Samar Majumder on February 16. The event was inaugurated by the writer, researcher, and trustee of the Liberation Museum, Mofidul Hoque. Writer and art critic, Prof Moinuddin Khaled attended the event as the special guest. Following the cordial speeches regarding the artist, the exhibition was initiated.
"Duality" is an artistic collaboration between Salma Zakia Bristy and her son, Mashrafi Aveen. Each mother shares a unique story with her child, and Bristy is no exception. A visual artist and mother of two, her younger son Aveen has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with ADHD personality traits, as diagnosed by doctors when he was 18 months old.
One winter evening in January, I found myself at the Kala Kendra Gallery in Lalmatia, Dhaka. Currently hosting a group art exhibition, Kala Kendra presents “Jogsutro”, featuring 15 Bangladeshi artists who have returned after completing their studies at Rabindra Bharati University.
The group art exhibition, titled “Breath”, has recently featured 17 core artists and four guest artists from across the country. As part of the collective journey, the Art Bangla Foundation gallery has been adorned with colourful paintings by the talented artists, most of which are smaller in size and painted with acrylic colours.
Novera Ahmed is known to me as ‘Rani khala’, and I hold her in tremendous respect as my aunt. She was a trailblazer, unafraid to pursue her dreams regardless of societal expectations. As an artist, I do feel the weight of comparison, but she exists on a different plane.
Our recent visit to Bengal Shilpalay on the closing day of “Bangladesher Lokoshilpo: Chitrito Mritshilpo” took both my mother and me back to our cherished childhood.
The “Urban Construction” series portrayed the components of cityscapes in the most minimalistic forms. “Spiritual Journey” illustrates silhouettes of a person in different poses, while “Portraying a Farmer Life” depicts the importance of farmers in our economy.
From children’s books to internationally applauded films, from lyrical ballads to Netflix series, wherever we put our senses, they are filled with the legacy of the “Bard of Bengal”, Rabindranath Tagore. Do we ever ask ourselves what we would do without him? Do we wonder how the entire culture of the Indian subcontinent is wrapped around his existence?
The inauguration of “Maya” took place at Bengal Shilpalay on July 22.
With the aim of reminiscing the Mymensingh Art Fest, an art exhibition was organised in collaboration with the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka (DU), at the Zainul Gallery at DU on July 17, 2023.
Something people often fail to notice is the woman’s hand wrapping the man is a lot like a halo as if the entire idea of romantic love is something holy and angelic.
The question we ask ourselves forever is –how do we evaluate art? Very often, our prejudice makes us assess an artwork depending on an artist’s experience, age, gender, or simply grandeur.
Ata Mojlish is one of the emerging modern multimedia artists, whose work has made an impact upon people who rebel against the negativity dominant in our society.
Preema Nazia Andaleeb is a visual artist from Bangladesh, and also an entrepreneur and cultural influencer. She has represented Bangladesh Creative Industry at the prestigious Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France since 2014.