CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY
Exhibition at EMK Center talks about rights
In celebration of International Day of Democracy, EMK Center and SHOUT, the youth magazine by The Daily Star hosted a photography exhibition at EMK Center, titled "Celebrating Democracy Through Photography" which was inaugurated on September 15, 2018. The exhibition was open for all till September 22, 2018.
The purpose of the exhibition was to promote and uphold the principles of democracy, allowing people to have a platform where they can express their unfiltered, individualistic views on the subject. Democracy is not only about effective, responsible institutions and good governance. It is also a culture, a method of thinking, which makes it important to be voiced, taught and shared amongst us all, including both men and women.
There was an open call for the submission of the photographs which depicted the main principles of democracy. Around 200 photographs were received, all portraying different perspectives. The selected pictures are divided into 3 categories – livelihood, joy, and justice. Under these categories there are photos which depict human rights, freedom, and right to education.
Naveed Akbar, Director of EMK Center, inaugurated the exhibition, vocalising the idea that it is important to not coerce people into an idea of democracy that has strict, rigid principles. The photographers of the selected works were also asked to say a few words of their displayed photographs, and how they thought it depicted democracy.
The inauguration programme ended with the participants and audience having discussions about the importance of the day and sharing their understanding of democracy and the exhibited photographs.
The EMK Center continues to support both visual and performing artists in various fields, both from home and abroad. Initially created in 2012 through a partnership between the Liberation War Museum
and the American Center of U.S. Embassy of Dhaka, the EMK Center is a non-partisan platform committed to open dialogue, informed action, individual and artistic expression, and personal and professional development.