Appreciating renowned photographer Nasir Ali Mamun's photography, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet has said literature and arts have always held a central place in cultural life, shaping thought, identity, and dialogue across generations in France, as in Bangladesh.
"In the hands of a photographer such as Nasir Ali Mamun, photography becomes not only an artistic expression but also an act of cultural preservation," said the Ambassador, adding that his black-and-white portraits reveal a remarkable mastery of light and shadow.
The inaugural ceremony of Mamun’s 66th solo exhibition was held at Alliance Française de Dhaka on Friday featuring rare portraits and moments of eminent poets Shamsur Rahman and Al Mahmud.
Editor and Publisher of Prothom Alo Matiur Rahman and artist Monirul Islam were, among others, present.
"Through simplicity of composition and careful framing, he invites us to look beyond appearances and to encounter the inner world of his subjects," the French Ambassador said.
He said these are not merely photographs; they are quiet and powerful moments of reflection.
"This is especially evident in his portraits of two eminent poets, Shamsur Rahman and Al Mahmud. Through his lens, they appear not only as major literary figures, but as deeply human—thoughtful, sensitive, and introspective," said the envoy.
He thinks this exhibition creates a dialogue between literature and visual art, between word and image, allowing them to experience poetry in a new and intimate manner.
The relationship between Mamun and Alliance Française de Dhaka is also particularly meaningful.
The Alliance continues to serve as a vital space for cultural exchange, creativity,
and intellectual engagement, said the French envoy.
He warmly congratulated Mamun for this remarkable body of work, and thanked the Alliance Française de Dhaka for hosting this important exhibition.
This exhibition brings together photography, poetry, memory, and history in a deeply compelling and meaningful way.
"As we reflect on nearly 200 years of photography, an art form with strong historical roots in France, we are reminded that photography is far more than a means of capturing images. It is a way of preserving life, emotion, and the passage of time," he said.
Over the decades, the envoy said, it has evolved into a universal language.