United News of Bangladesh

An experiential exhibition showcasing artworks created during a printmaking and collagraphy workshop led by distinguished artist Professor Rokeya Sultana was held at the Garden Gallery of Gallery Cosmos on Sunday, celebrating her recent recognition with the prestigious Ekushey Padak. Organised by Gallery Cosmos in collaboration with House of Solis, the exhibition presented works produced by participating artists during the workshop held at Cosmos Atelier71, the gallery’s long-standing printmaking studio and creative space. The event brought together artists, organisers, and art enthusiasts to reflect on the learning, experimentation, and collaboration fostered during the programme. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen attended the event as the chief guest, accompanied by his wife, Deanne Dao. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Christensen highlighted the enduring cultural connections between Bangladesh and the United States through artistic exchange. He praised the vibrancy and creativity of Bangladesh’s contemporary art scene and noted the role of cultural initiatives such as the Fulbright Program strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries. Speaking at the event, Nahar Khan, founder of House of Solis and the experiential partner for the programme, emphasised the importance of artistic exchange and mentorship. House of Solis is a cultural and experiential platform that collaborates with artists, galleries, and institutions to curate programmes that bring together art, dialogue, and community engagement, creating meaningful spaces for creative exchange and cultural connection. “Over the past days, Professor Rokeya Sultana has led a workshop at Cosmos Atelier71 exploring printmaking and collagraphy, sharing not only technical mastery but also the spirit of experimentation and courage that defines true artistic practice,” she said. She noted that art spaces must go beyond the traditional role of displaying artworks. “We believe that art spaces must do more than exhibit works. They must create experiences, build community, and nurture the next generation of artists.” She added that the exhibition represented not only a presentation of works but also a celebration of mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and artistic continuity. “Professor Rokeya Sultana’s work has travelled far beyond borders, yet it remains deeply connected to the artistic lineage of Bangladesh and to the pioneering spirit of the University of Dhaka Faculty of Fine Arts. Khan also said that the artist’s Ekushey Padak recognition serves as a reminder that the arts remain central to Bangladesh’s cultural identity and creative imagination.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Sunday highlighted the strong cultural link between Bangladesh and the US through art while attending an event honouring Ekushey Padak-winning artist Dr Rokeya Sultana at Gallery Cosmos in the capital. He also praised the vibrancy and creativity of Bangladesh’s art scene and the role of cultural exchange programmes such as the Fulbright in strengthening ties between the two countries. The event organised by Gallery Cosmos and House of Solis at Garden Gallery in Baridhara showcased artworks produced during the workshop at Cosmos Atelier71, bringing together artists, organisers and art enthusiasts to reflect on the learning and collaboration fostered during the programme. Ambassador Brent T. Christensen was the chief guest along with Ms Deanne Dao (his wife). Christensen thanked the organisers for arranging the event and said it was a pleasure to attend a gathering celebrating the acclaimed artist. The envoy said he and his wife, Ms Deanne Dao, have long admired Bangladeshi art and artists. “My wife, Deanne, and I are very big fans of Bangladeshi art and the spirit and creativity of Bangladeshi artists going back to our previous time in Dhaka and reinforced in our not just over two months here.” Christensen recalled that during an early visit to an art gallery in Dhaka, they noticed Dr Sultana’s work and were immediately drawn to it. “And an early art gallery we visited, we noticed Dr. Sultana’s work. We were both immediately drawn to it. And so much the better when we learned that she was in fact one of ours as well as a US alumnus, a Fulbright alumnus,” he said. He said he was particularly excited to learn that the Bangladeshi artist completed her Fulbright programme at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he had also spent several years.  

The three-day unique art workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate Techniques ‘Alchemy of Light’ concluded on Sunday at Gallery Cosmos, shedding the spotlight on these two alternative photographic printmaking processes, each with unique characteristics and applications. Led by acclaimed artist and educator Juton Chandra Roy, Lecturer at the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University, the workshop brought together 10 Bangladeshi artists from diverse backgrounds: Rashed Sukhon, Naznine Akter, Alia Kamal, Farhana Islam, Sheikh Nahid Hasan, Sharmin Rahman Khan, Sumaita Afrin Shupty, Arup Mandal, Shuvra Talukder, and Bristy Pathan. The concluding day was graced by Cosmos Foundation Chairman, Cosmos Group and Gallery Cosmos Founder and UNB Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan; Former Adviser on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh caretaker government and Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury; Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet; Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Director François Grosjean, Vice President of the Cosmos Group and Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos and UNB Nahar Khan, and Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professors Dr Anisuzzaman Anis and Dr Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, among others. 'Alchemy of Light': Gallery Cosmos hosts workshop by Juton Chandra Roy “Since the inception of our Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, a number of art enthusiasts from home and abroad have joined to learn, practice and showcase their artistic power on a regular basis. We organize multiple unique art events and artistic ventures in a calendar year, and this special workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate Techniques under the title ‘Alchemy of Light’ by acclaimed artist Juton Chandra Roy have been a priority project for us,” Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet said on the occasion. “Talented artists from diverse background across the nation joined this workshop including prominent artists-art educators such as Professor Anis, Bishwajit Goswami and others; and they all have enthusiastically learned these relatively new artistic methods together in this workshop, and we will showcase the artworks from the workshop in a future exhibition soon,” she added. While exploring the workshop, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Director François Grosjean praised the initiative, saying it was “very innovative” to organize such a workshop. “From my perspective, it’s particularly commendable as it uses natural colours—creating a dialogue between art and ecology. With this initiative, you are touching something deeply connected to that link. Our imagination in art comes from nature, and it’s important to strengthen that bond,” he told UNB.

Gallery Cosmos, the acclaimed artistic wing and printmaking studio of the Cosmos Foundation, has launched a three-day workshop titled ‘Alchemy of Light’, focusing on the historical Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate techniques. The workshop is being held at Cosmos Atelier71, Cosmos Centre, Malibagh, Dhaka, from June 27 to 29, between 10 am and 5 pm daily. Inaugurated on Friday, June 27 at 10 am, the workshop is being led by acclaimed artist and educator Juton Chandra Roy, Lecturer at the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University. It brings together 10 Bangladeshi artists from diverse backgrounds for an immersive experience in alternative photographic printmaking, blending Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate Techniques. The opening ceremony was graced by Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet, along with eminent artist and Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professor Dr Anisuzzaman, DU Faculty of Fine Art Assistant Professor at the Department of Drawing and Painting and Brihatta Art Foundation Co-founder Bishwajit Goswami, Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, and the participating artists: Rashed Sukhon, Naznine Akter, Alia Kamal, Farhana Islam, Sheikh Nahid Hasan, Sharmin Rahman Khan, Sumaita Afrin Shupty, Arup Mandal, Shuvra Talukder, and Bristy Pathan. Speaking at the event, Tehmina Enayet reaffirmed the gallery's commitment to multidisciplinary experimentation. “Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier 71 consistently organize unique and diverse initiatives. This time, we are excited to introduce this unique workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate—unconventional mediums that allow for vibrant, playful expressions. We believe audiences will enjoy these creations as much as the participants enjoyed making them,” she said, while acknowledging the support of the instructors and fondly remembered the late eminent artist Kalidas Karmakar, under whose vision the gallery was founded. Professor Anisuzzaman praised the workshop’s artistic merit and expressed his longstanding association with the gallery. “My relationship with Gallery Cosmos goes back many years, and I’ve had the pleasure of conducting two workshops here. Juton, the instructor, is my direct student - and I’ve witnessed his dedication to exploring new media, enriched further by his studies at Santiniketan. The works being produced here are a testament to his growth and vision,” he said. ‘Echoes of Existence’: Tarek Amin’s 2nd solo exhibition opens in London Highlighting the novelty of the medium, Bishwajit Goswami said, “This is a very engaging workshop where two techniques are being integrated in creative ways. While Cyanotype is somewhat familiar in our local context, Gum Bichromate remains relatively unknown. As Juton is both a printmaker and educator, and trained in these methods at Santiniketan where they are taken very seriously, this workshop offers an excellent opportunity to learn something new. While we usually focus on image creation, today we are delving into the process behind it—which is equally vital and rewarding. It’s encouraging to see young, emerging artists enjoying this collaborative experience. Gallery Cosmos has always supported such distinctive initiatives, with a strong setup and facilities.” Workshop facilitator Juton Chandra Roy elaborated on the vision behind the workshop, stating: “This workshop stems from the ongoing academic dialogue around alternative art practices, which are crucial. While traditional printmaking often depends on lab-based techniques using specialized tools and chemicals, access to such setups for emerging artists becomes limited after their graduation, and this pushes many artists to explore alternative media.”

Clare Hindle, Founding Director of the World Art Foundations, has shared her insights with Gallery Cosmos on Bangladesh’s art scene, highlighting the country’s remarkable treasures and diverse ways to connect people globally. She made the remark at an event hosted by Gallery Cosmos at its Garden Gallery in Baridhara on Monday evening, welcoming Clare Hindle to Bangladesh. Stressing the importance of art, Clare said, “Everybody, whether you're supporting artists, whether you're supporting museums, whether you're supporting communities that learn from the experiences held within, I feel that there's a lot of work to be done globally.” Speaking at the event, Nahar Khan, executive director of the Cosmos Foundation and Gallery Cosmos, said they have long been dedicated to supporting arts and culture in Bangladesh.

Gallery Cosmos is set to host a daylong event that will feature freedom fighter and eminent artist Biren Shome, who will collaborate with a group of future master artists to craft a compelling collection on Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971. Eminent artist Rafiqun Nabi gets showered with love on 80th birthdayThe event will take place at Cosmos Center at Malibagh in Dhaka on Tuesday (Dec 12) from 3:30 pm to 7 pm.Biren Shome will be leading a group of talented emerging painters in bringing to life the significance of Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. Irish writer Paul Lynch wins Booker Prize with dystopian novel 'Prophet Song'

Newly appointed Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy made a special visit to Cosmos Atelier 71 and Gallery Cosmos, the reputed printmaking studio and artistic space of Cosmos Foundation, on Thursday. She explored the ongoing exclusive intaglio process softground and stencil workshop by internationally acclaimed artist and art teacher, Professor Rokeya Sultana, titled “Impression of Rokeya's” at the Cosmos Centre. Read more: Printmaking workshop ‘Impression of Rokeya's’ underway at Cosmos Atelier 71 Tehmina Enayet, Director of Cosmos Atelier 71 and Gallery Cosmos, and Rokeya Sultana greeted Ambassador Masdupuy and exchanged their artistic visions, while Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury guided the studio and gallery tour while sharing the artistic initiatives and ongoing workshop to the ambassador. "We are overwhelmed to have the honorable French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy among us, here in our Cosmos Atelier 71 and Gallery Cosmos. France is the pioneering nation in the world of arts and also has been one of our great diplomatic allies, and the ambassador’s maiden visit in our art space will continue strengthening the remarkable bond and friendship between the two nations," Tehmina Enayet told UNB. Professor Rokeya Sultana said, "It is our great honor that Ambassador Masdupuy visited this exclusive printmaking workshop, and I along with all of our participating artists are enthralled with her presence and enthusiasm regarding our works." Read more: Impression of Rokeya's: Intaglio process workshop at Cosmos Atelier71 from Monday Inaugurated on January 23, the workshop is featuring young and prominent artists from home and beyond – Asmita Alam Shammy, Roosevelt Benjamin, Chhobi Zulfiqar, Rifat Jahan Kanta, Farzana Rahman Bobby, Mohammad Rezwanur Rahman, Bacchu Miah Arif, Kamruzzoha, SM Ehsan and Indian artist Sukla Poddar. The workshop also features four guest artists – renowned painter Afrozaa Jamil Konka, eminent photojournalist-artist Nasir Ali Mamun, veteran artist and freedom fighter Biren Shome and journalist-artist Zahangir Alom – alongside participating guest artists Sam Jamil Julian, Rumessa Mailloux and Sourav Chowdhury.

The Indonesian embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday celebrated the 77th anniversary of the country’s independence amid festivities.  The day’s events began with a flag hoisting ceremony in the morning at the premises of the embassy, followed by a live broadcasting of the national Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace from the capital Jakarta. A prayer was also held.

Since Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and nearly all of his family members were brutally assassinated on August 15, 1975, the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar has always held special significance for Bangladeshis as one for mourning and reflection.  A thoroughbred politician who led a life of constant struggle and sacrifice for a cause, Bangabandhu’s place in history was assured when he led the people of what was once East Pakistan to freedom in 1971, establishing the newly-independent state of Bangladesh. Bangabandhu’s tireless contributions to improving the lot of his people, today’s Bangladeshis, mark him out as one of the 20th century’s tallest leaders. A natural born leader of men, he was also a man of culture - and he proved that from time to time, by always supporting and patronising Bangladeshi arts and culture, as well as the artists. Read: “The Passion of Drawing-2” by Gallery Cosmos: A daylong tribute to drawing As the visionary behind all the necessary transformations that Bangladesh needed after its independence, Bangabandhu left an indelible mark in the hearts of all who knew him, and on the fabric of the nation, till he was gunned down along with almost his entire family in a maon on the fabric of the nation remembered with befitting tribute and respect.

Marking the National Mourning Day 2022, Gallery Cosmos is going to organize an exclusive group art, photography and sculpture exhibition on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman titled 'BRAVEHEART' at Cosmos Centre in the capital on Friday. Mofidul Hoque, founding trustee of the Liberation War Museum, will virtually inaugurate the exhibition as the chief guest, while eminent artists and freedom fighters Rafiqun Nabi, Biren Shome and internationally renowned artist Shahabuddin Ahmed will join the inauguration ceremony as the special guests. Supported by the Cosmos Foundation, the exhibition's inauguration ceremony will also be joined by Tehmina Enayet, Director of Gallery Cosmos and Masud Jamil Khan, Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group. Read: Curtain rises on Shilpo Bangla Art Exhibition UNB and Dhaka Courier will be its media and knowledge partners respectively. Prior to the inauguration of the exhibition, a vibrant team of 12 child artists and future master painters will participate in an exclusive group art camp at the exhibition venue and showcase their heartfelt tribute to the Father of the Nation. The exhibition will be showcasing artworks of several prominent artists including Shahabuddin Ahmed, Biren Shome, Alakesh Ghosh, Nasir Ali Mamun, Afrozaa Jamil Konka, Bashkor Rasha, Shahajahan Ahmed Bikash, Azmeer Hossain, Bishwajit Goswami, Abu Kalam Shamsuddin, Devdas Malakar, Dilip Karmakar, Sourav Chowdhury, Abdullah Al Bashir, Iqbal Bahar Chy, Maneek Bonik, Kamruzzoha, Azmol Hossain, Mohammed Fakhrul Islam Mazumder Shakil and Md Rafiqul Islam. Read “The Passion of Drawing-2” by Gallery Cosmos: A daylong tribute to drawing Visitors can explore the exhibition 'BRAVEHEART' at Gallery Cosmos in the Cosmos Centre, Malibagh in the capital till August 31.