Alliance Française de Dhaka inaugurated a group exhibition titled “Unlearning the Book” on Sunday, showcasing experimental works that rethink the concept of the book through textile and material storytelling by 27 multidisciplinary Bangladeshi artists.

The exhibition is curated by Fareha Zeba and Sadya Mizan.

The opening ceremony took place at 5:00 PM at Alliance Française de Dhaka in Gulshan, followed by an iftar and a dialogical book session with participating artists and guest speakers. Visitors also had the opportunity to sign up for interactive tarot reading sessions.

The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Frédéric Inza, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of France in Dhaka; M. François Chambraud, Director of Alliance Française de Dhaka; and Zareen Mahmud Hosein, Founder and Executive Director of HerStory Foundation, among other dignitaries.

“Unlearning the Book” challenges conventional paper-based notions of books, drawing inspiration from palm-leaf manuscripts, scroll traditions, textile archives, and oral storytelling. Through collective imagination, textile has become a central material language in reconstructing book forms, presenting personal narratives, cultural and heritage memories, and reflections on social realities.

Unlike a traditional exhibition, the venue is designed as a storytelling space, where visitors can explore unconventional books, share personal stories, and participate in interactive workshops. Activities include upcycling, interactive painting, tarot reading, and story reading sessions, all aimed at rethinking and “unlearning” the traditional book.

Participating artists include Abrar Shadman, Ahsana Angona, Alia Kamal, Esha Ahmed, Faiza Fairooz, Farah Naz Moon, Farhana Ferdausi, Fouzia Mahin Chowdhury, Hridita Anisha, Jayatu Chakma, Jinnatun Jannat, Kazmin Samia, Lekh Nesa Khatun, Mahadi Masud, Mahmuda Siddika, Marzia Bentee Rahman, Nazm Anwr, Nazmul Hossen Nayon, Nodi Judith Gomes, Nur A Alaa Siddique, Papia Sarwar, Rafia Mahjabeen, Rituparna Saha, Rokeya Sultana, Tahmina Hafiz Lisa, Toufikul Islam, and Venessa Kaiser.

On opening day, a dialogical book session was held at 6:40 PM with Abrar Shadman and guest speaker Mahenaz Chowdhury, followed by a tarot reading session from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM by Arjeetaa Dutta Ichchha.

The exhibition will run until 20 March 2026, with visiting hours from 11 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Saturday, and additional workshops and storytelling sessions announced regularly at the venue.