N’oubliez pas Novera: Rediscovering the pioneer of Bangladesh’s modern sculpture
In August of 1960, on the ground floor of the Central Public Library building of the University of Dhaka, showcasing 75 of her artworks sculpted between 1956 and 1960, Novera Ahmed had her first solo exhibition titled “Inner Gaze." This formidable exhibition arguably sparked the genesis of modern sculpting practice in both West and then East Pakistan (now present-day Bangladesh). She was the first-ever sculptor from the undivided Pakistani region.
1m ago
Michelangelo: Marble, paint and divinity
Michelangelo’s list of magnum opuses includes his most famous amongst the Pietas, “La Madonna Della Pieta” (1498-99), which depicts the body of Jesus in the lap of Mother Mary after the Crucifixion. “David”(1501–1504), which is arguably the greatest ever sculpture ever carved. Last, but not least, and one of the most recognised pieces of art that even morphed into contemporary pop culture, “The Creation of Adam" (1508–12), which is part of the majestic frescoes that he created at the ceilings of The Sistine Chapel.
1m ago
Sayeeda Khanam: Reminiscing a rebel
Eighty-six years after Sayeeda's birth, these facts still resound, underscoring the pivotal role of parenting and support systems in shaping someone's journey, regardless of the societal norms they were born into. However, winning the birth lottery didn’t mean it was easy for Sayeeda; what she accomplished with a camera, paving the way for future generations of female photographers, was nothing short of conquering the Himalayas.
4m ago
'Legacy of Metal Revived': Dhaka defies drizzle for a night of metal
Despite the ceaseless drizzle in Dhaka, brought about by the deep depression soon to evolve into a cyclone, hundreds of metalheads braved the weather to storm into mosh pits at the "Legacy of Metal Revived" event last Friday at the Liberation War Museum auditorium.
5m ago
‘Cholo Bangladesh Concert’ marks striking impression
Dhaka witnessed a mighty crowd of music lovers this year at yesterday’s “Cholo Bangladesh Concert” organised by the telecom giant Grameenphone and AsiaticExp at the Army Stadium. The star-studded line-up consisting of some of the finest musical acts of the country varying across genres, delivered yet another show for audiences to cherish for a long time.
6m ago
Caravaggio: Light, shadows and scandals
It was an era where the greatest paintings served as sublime examples of ideal beauty, linear perspective, and balanced compositions, emphasising the artists' talents while fulfilling the desires of their patrons. However, breaking away from the dominant tradition of painting of the time, Caravaggio made a divine entrance onto the scene with his masterpiece, "The Calling of Saint Matthew".
7m ago
Mark Rothko: Elegy in Colour
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Rothko's most perilous battleground was his own mind, as he battled depression throughout his life, even at the zenith of his career and personal life.
7m ago
Man Ray: Celebrating a 20th-century artistic luminary
Arguably one of his most iconic lens-based artworks is "Le Violon d’Ingres" (1924), which sold at auction last year for a staggering USD 12.4 million, making it the most expensive photograph ever sold.
8m ago
February 16, 2023
‘Zero Calorie’: Contradictions of our conscience
Daagi’s latest exhibition, which has been titled “Zero Calorie”, tries to re-explore our contemporary issues, questioning and reminding us of the usual narratives which are underlyingly problematic and collectively ignored. For instance, even their choice of words in the exhibition title and note has a metaphorical meaning too.
January 24, 2023
Shunno comes full-circle after 15 years
Starting from being featured in Fuad Al Muqtadir’s iconic mixed album Bonno—with their debut song "Prottasha"—in 2008, to self-distributing their first album Notun Srot, Shunno have weathered many a storm on their way to success.
December 29, 2022
Dhaka Rock Fest 3.0: Two unforgettable nights of rock
In recent memory, 2022 has been quite the bustling year for the Bangladeshi music scene.
December 20, 2022
Of sore necks, broken voices and metal
“Metal Up Your Ass”, organised by Get Amped Series, took place this Saturday at Event Station in Jamuna Future Park. The show was not merely another addition to the list of shows in our annual concert season. Rather, for musicians and fans, the full-on metal show was almost a trip down memory lane, to the days of RCC (Russian Cultural Centre).
November 21, 2022
Saadul Islam: A story of six strings and visual arts
Saadul Islam is the amazing guitar player from Coke Studio Bangla. However, his guitar licks on “Nasek Nasek”, “Bhober Pagol” and “Chiltey Roud” are but small glimpses into the artiste that he is.
September 18, 2022
‘Headbangers Paradise’ returns with a night to remember
In the post-pandemic era, Dhaka has been witnessing vibrant exhibitions and concerts, ones where the youth particularly flock to. In major concerts, especially ones in the city, it is a delightful experience to see young and fresh faces fill the large capacity venues. “Headbangers Paradise 2”, which took place this Friday, was not any different.
August 22, 2022
Discussing problematic norms of masculinity through art
“I was raised by a single mother. Dealing with the excruciating pain of losing her first child and years later her beloved husband, my mother who is a social worker, gracefully raised all three of us whilst having all the qualities that are generally associated with what it means to be a man. Does that mean my mother is masculine?” -- said Ashfika Rahman inquired during his opening remarks at the at the inauguration of the exhibition, “Let No One Mistake Us for The Fruit of Violence”.
August 1, 2022
Live from Control Room 2: Karnival delivers an ethereal experience
“The show was abruptly planned. Initially, we had plans to organize the show at the end of this year, but our bassist Moushum Dhamai, is leaving for the USA next month,” said Rudan Al Amin, the band manager for Karnival & also CEO of Dhaka Broadcast.
X