Offering a selection of original primers alongside captivating artefacts and displays that illuminate the history of Bangla primers, artist Sabyasachi Hazra’s unique exhibition ‘Primer to Press’ has begun at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on Friday.

The exhibition's opening ceremony also marked the launch of the book 'Bornomala: Bangla Alphabet Book Collection', edited by Sabyasachi Hazra.

Former chairman of the Dhaka University Department of Bangla Prof Dr Syed Azizul Huq, artist and designer Chandra Shekhar Shaha,  Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Dean Prof Nisar Hossain, eminent cartoonist and Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professor Shishir Bhattacharjee, and musician, lyricist, and instrumentalist Rahul Ananda joined the opening ceremony as the special guests.

Following the ceremony, a live letterpress printing demonstration showcased the traditional printing methods used for Bangla primers.

The book, ‘Bornomala: Bangla Alphabet Book Collection’ published by Kobi Prokashani, is a comprehensive exploration of Bangla primers, featuring a collection of eight selected specimens dating from 1849 to 1948. Hazra unveils the fascinating evolution of lettering, editing, and printing techniques used in Bangla primers through meticulous research and analysis of these historical references.

The book is for sale during the exhibition with a complimentary poster. A special package of the book with limited edition posters and prints will also be available.

The exhibition intends to offer visitors to delve into the evolution of printing techniques, with displays featuring vintage equipment like woodblock printing presses and movable type sets, and also presents the artistic journey of Bangla primers through visuals and illustrations showcasing the diverse artistic styles employed by different primers.

Overall, the exhibition serves as a visual companion to the book, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to witness firsthand the remarkable journey of Bangla primers and their enduring cultural significance.

Sabyasachi Hazra (b. 1978) is an artist and author based in Bangladesh. He received his academic training in drawing and painting from Dhaka University, and his works range from the conceptualisation of communication campaigns and brand identity design to layout and illustrations, which he has rendered for numerous books and periodicals for different age groups. Over the years, he has devoted himself to the exploration of print and publication culture, theory, and practices.

Besides ‘Bornomala: Bangla Alphabet Book Collection’, he has authored three books before - ‘In the Quest of Bangla Typography’ (2021), ‘Rong Tulite Chopchap’ (2018), and ‘Chitralipi’ (2015). He has also co-authored the book ‘Bangla Namer Desher Galpo’ (2023).

The exhibition will be open to all till Saturday, May 18,  Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 9 pm, closed on Sundays.