A group art exhibition 'Origins of Vision' was inaugurated on Friday at the multipurpose hall of the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, reflecting Japan’s broader cultural engagement with Bangladesh.

Renowned artist Monirul Islam attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest co-organised by HerNet Fine Arts and the Embassy of Japan as a vibrant celebration of cultural harmony and artistic excellence.

Ambassador of Spain to Bangladesh Gabriel Sistiaga, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Park Young-sik, diplomats, artists and cultural leaders were present.

CDA Takahashi reaffirmed the embassy’s longstanding commitment to supporting the arts through scholarships, curated exhibitions, and artist exchanges.

He also noted that Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus had concurred in strengthening cultural ties during their meeting in Japan on May 30.

CDA Takahashi expressed confidence that initiatives like this exhibition will continue to deepen mutual understanding and bilateral relations.

This landmark exhibition features works by 47 celebrated and emerging Bangladeshi artists, including alumni of Japanese art programmes, whose works reflect a unique synthesis of Japanese aesthetics and Bangladeshi creativity.

Alisha Pradhan, chief curator of HerNet Fine Arts and Secretary-General of the HerNet Foundation, and Monir Prodhan, chairman of the HerNet Foundation, served as principal organisers of the exhibition, according to the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka.

A major highlight of the exhibition is a posthumous tribute to the pioneers of Bangladeshi modern art - Zainul Abedin, SM Sultan, Kibria, Novera Ahmed, Rashid Choudhury, Quamrul Hassan, and Safiuddin Ahmed - through a rare showcase of privately preserved masterpieces.

It marks the first time a private institution has curated such a tribute, offering the public a unique opportunity to experience these national treasures.

The exhibition is open to the public daily from July 18 to 26, between 3pm and 8:30pm at the Embassy of Japan.