Arts-&-Culture
Sotheby's auction of Zainul Abedin paintings breaks records for Bangladeshi artists
At a recent auction organised by renowned auction house Sotheby's in New York, two paintings by the Bangladeshi art maestro, revered as 'Shilpacharya' Zainul Abedin, fetched a record price, the highest on record for a Bangladeshi artist.
Sotheby's, which was founded in London close to 300 years ago but is now headquartered in New York, recently organised an auction titled "Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art", where these two paintings were auctioned at record prices.
According to the Sotheby's website, one of the two paintings, "Untitled (Couple)," which depicts a Santal couple (Oil on canvas, 1963), sold for $381,000, or around Tk 4,16,29,622 (Tk 4 crore 16 lakh 29 thousand 622) based on today's USD to BDT exchange rate ($1 = BDT 109.26).
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The other painting, also “Untitled” depicts a woman at rest, wearing a sky-blue saree and scarlet bangles, created between 1956 and 1963 using oil paints on board. This painting sold for USD 279,400, equivalent to approximately Tk 3,05,28,389 (3 crore 5 lakh 28 thousand 389).
The first painting, which measures 102 cm in width and 135.5 cm in length, was initially estimated to be valued between 100,000 and 150,000 USD, according to the Sotheby's website. The second one, which measures 80.4 cm in length and 60.4 cm in breadth, was initially estimated to be valued between 80,000 and 120,000 USD.
Both were from the Marker family collection, which the Sotheby's website referred to as “Property from The Estate of His Excellency Jamsheed K Marker and Diana J Marker.”
BBC reports that both of them were close friends of Zainul Abedin. The Shilpacharya often visited the Marker couple's house and at that time introduced several famous South Asian artists to them.
However, the website did not reveal the details of the buyers. Art collectors often prefer to remain anonymous.
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Art connoisseurs in the country opined that these two paintings are among the highest selling prices among Shilpacharya’s artworks.
In early 2018, Christie's, the famous New York-based auction house, auctioned off another artwork by Zainul Abedin from the Santal series for Tk 1.5 crore in Bangladeshi currency.
"Bagher Deshe Boishakh:" Potua Nazir Hossain's solo exhibition opens at AFD
The solo art exhibition by Potua Nazir Hossain titled “Bagher Deshe Boishakh (Boishakh in the Land of Tiger)” began at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital on Friday.
The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held on Friday at 5pm at AFD's La Galerie, which was joined by eminent art critic Moinuddin Khaled and Dr Lilly Nicholls, High Commissioner of Canada in Bangladesh as the special guests.
Nazir Hossain’s artworks accentuate many different forms of the Royal Bengal Tiger in pattachitras that encapsulate many different folk elements of Bangla mythology.
The Royal Bengal Tiger is not only a quadruped feline in the sense that it symbolizes the indomitable spirit of Bangladesh, and the artist tells that more gracefully through his art, through his pattachitras, with an amalgamated panoply of folk motifs, indigenous symbols and fables.
The fables in Hossain's artworks tell stories with vivid colours and aphorisms that are familiar and a cinch to figure out. Humorous situations in a bucolic setting like a tiger playing ektara or a tiger pulling a cart are sure to put a smile on the spectator's face, AFD states.
Hossain's unique yet relatable style has brought out a collection of artworks that are just beautifully well-timed for the upcoming Bangla New Year, it added.
As part of the Francophonie Festival 2024 celebration, organised by France, Switzerland and Canada - the exhibition will welcome visitors till Tuesday, April 2, Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 8 pm.
Tazmin’s first solo exhibition ‘Mayhem of Life’ held at Midas Center
The first solo photography exhibition by Tazmin Haider titled ‘Mayhem of Life’ was recently held at Midas Centre in the capital’s Dhanmondi.
The exhibition featured 53 photographs taken by Tazmin. In addition, five of her paintings were also showcased in this exhibition.
All profits obtained from the exhibition were donated to the IraMon Foundation to help the oppressed and helpless people of society, according to a press release.
Regarding the exhibition, Tazmin said, “A picture tells more than a thousand words. In a sentence that cannot be expressed in words, it is easy to express this sentence through pictures. Each photo has its own story that needs to be told."
“There were many stories of the society that were hidden in my pictures which were displayed at the exhibition. Each viewer perceives it from their perspective,” she added.
The exhibition was attended by popular fiction maker Mabrur Rashid Bannah, YouTuber Prottoy Heron, actors Shaon, Toya, Rashed Shemanto, director Topu Khan, and other personalities from various fields.
Tazmin Haider is a student in class 10. Her father Haider Akbar Munna is a media personality and vice chairman of Youth Group.
‘Fearless Call 3’: Bangabandhu’s historic speech at the UN echoes through engaging artwork
In 1974, the 29th UN General Assembly, witnessed a historic and powerful speech — on the need for non-violent and peaceful politics — that still bears remedy to the current state of chaos and conflict ravaging countries and taking a devastating toll on millions of lives. It was the brightest moment for Bangladesh on the global stage, within years of its independence.
Before an assembly attended by as many as 138 leaders, the impact of a newly formed nation was on full display, thanks to the call for the greater humanitarian cause by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Now five decades down the line, that message of global peace, humanity and freedom resonates in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32 as Center for Research and Information (CRI) has rolled out an exciting and profound exhibition themed on the relevance of the speech.
As a tribute to the Father of the Nation on his birth anniversary, CRI’s month-long exhibition drew a gathering of a diverse group.
Lawmaker Nahim Razzaq and several members of CRI team alongside family members of martyred intellectuals inaugurated the event.
Dhaka Flow's festival celebrating Women's Day provides a much-needed space for wellness
Chhayanaut organises 'Deshghorer Gaan' in memory of Waheedul Haque
Cultural institution Chhayanaut organised its special commemorative event 'Deshghorer Gaan' on Saturday, in memory of its founding member and the country's esteemed cultural personality Waheedul Haque.
The event commemorated the 91st anniversary of the legendary cultural icon, who mobilised public support against the anti-Tagore hate campaigns of the then-Ayub regime and founded Chhayanaut with like-minded people in 1961 on the occasion of the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore.
Prominent folk singer Kanan Bala Sarkar inaugurated the event at the Chhayanaut auditorium on Saturday.
The event featured regional songs by esteemed local artists, including Gurupada Gupta (Khulna), Badal Rahman (Patuakhali), Jayita Arpa (Mymensingh), Bimalendu Dash (Habiganj) and the guest of the event Kanan Bala Sarkar.
In addition, Eidu Boyati and his team from Jamalpur delivered 'Kichhapala' performances at the event.
Chhayanaut Joint Secretary Jayanta Roy delivered the welcome speech at the event, while its General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa delivered the vote of thanks.
Poetry recitation programme 'Aparajitar Kabbo' held in Dhaka
'Aparajitar Kabbo' a poetry recitation programme was held at Madar Teresa Bhaban in Dhaka's Tejgaon marking International Women's Day on Saturday.
The programme was organised by Jalaknya and conducted by its owner Suporna Alice Gomes.
A flock of reciters, including famous writer Jharna Rahman and photojournalist Sabina Yasmin participated in the programme.
In the event, eleven men and women recited various poems. They are Mahi Farhana, Nishat Sarmin Jasmine, Swapna Bernadette Francis, Mahbuba Sultana, Falguni De Costa, Nilim Ahsan, Tasnuva Orin, Nusrat Nusin, Suporna Alice Gomes, Khokon Koraya and Javade Hussain.
Sabina Yasmin said, "There was no obstacle to my work as a photojournalist from my family. However, while going to work, I face so many obstacles. But, I always try to get everyone's cooperation by treating everyone politely and I am going ahead with my work."
“As a female photojournalist, I am going through my work facing new challenges,” she added.
Jharna Rahman said, “We all grow up with separate identities. First of all, I am a human being, then I am someone's daughter, someone's wife, someone's mother. We all have a unique identity and we grow up this and work for family and society.”
Gallery Cosmos offers ‘Art Therapy through Printmaking’ with Rokeya Sultana at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival
Celebrating the power of creative expression in healing through art on the occasion of International Women's Day, Gallery Cosmos showcased a unique, interactive segment titled “Art Therapy through Printmaking” featuring eminent artist Prof Rokeya Sultana at Dhaka Flow's “Inspire Her Wellness” festival.
Held on March 8-9 at the Baridhara Society Lakeside Park in Dhaka, the printmaking session and workshop at the Creative Playground for the attendees stood out at the festival.
From 11:30 am till the prayer break on Friday, the segment captivated people from all walks of life, in front of the Gallery Cosmos pavilion at the festival.
The influx of crowd continued on Saturday from 11 am though afternoon, as many festival-goers returned on day two after being enamored with the magic of printmaking by the maestro on the inaugural day.
Dhaka Flow's festival celebrating Women's Day provides a much-needed space for wellness
"Printmaking is a unique and extensive artistic process, which we brought outside of our regular studio setting in this lovely spring atmosphere, organised by Gallery Cosmos — inside the beautiful setting of Dhaka Flow's ‘Inspire Her Wellness’ festival," artist and art educator Rokeya Sultana said.
For this segment, Gallery Cosmos not only brought Rokeya Sultana who is a pioneering artist and maestro of this genre, it also brought and temporarily installed its majestic printmaking machine, which became a centre of attraction to the participants.
Over the course of two days, more than a hundred prints were created at this inclusive segment. While children were the primary participants, festival-goers of all ages and families enthusiastically participated in the sessions and printed as they wished.
Mentioning the enthusiastic response of the attendees, Rokeya Sultana said, "Gallery Cosmos organised a truly engaging printmaking segment at this magnificent festival, where the enthusiastic response wholeheartedly amazed me. These participants are not artists, yet they beautifully channelled their creative expressions to the prints, making beautiful art pieces."
"The festival is arranged marking the International Women's Day, and we need to celebrate the occasion through meaningful events like this. Every day, the world and people make us realize that we are women, through various actions and attributions. We need unity in our society, and events like this festival can make us united, while segments like this can act as the much-needed creative therapy for our wellbeing," the artist said.
Dhaka Flow's festival celebrating Women's Day provides a much-needed space for wellness
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024, Dhaka Flow, Bangladesh’s first-ever yoga and wellness festival and a pioneer in promoting a holistic approach to wellness in the city, organised its much-anticipated "Inspire Her Wellness” festival at the capital’s Baridhara Society Lakeside Park, which kicked off on Friday.
The two-day event, which highlighted this year's theme, "Inspire Inclusion," welcomed attendees on the first day with open arms inside the greeneries of the park’s peaceful setting under the mesmerizing Spring sky, resonating with Dhaka Flow's core mission of championing wellness for all.
Beginning with ‘Graceful Awakening’ Morning Yoga by Dhaka Flow co-founder and esteemed yogini Shazia Omar at 10 am, the "Inspire Her Wellness” festival continued through engaging and enthralling sessions on its inaugural day.
Art Therapy through Printmaking’: Gallery Cosmos’s unique offering at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival
Joy Bangla Concert 2024 promises special arrangement for women
In a move towards inclusivity, the Joy Bangla Concert 2024 has announced special arrangements to accommodate female attendees. Young Bangla, through its verified Facebook page, revealed that dedicated entrances and spaces will be reserved exclusively for women. “Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie,” beckons the announcement, highlighting the concert’s commitment to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Scheduled to take place at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram, this year’s event marks a significant departure from tradition, being the first time the concert is held outside the capital city, Dhaka. This strategic shift not only broadens the geographical appeal of the event but also pays homage to the historical essence of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, invoking the spirit of Bangabandhu’s iconic March 7 speech.
Art Therapy through Printmaking’: Gallery Cosmos’s unique offering at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival
Since its inception in 2015 by the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), the Joy Bangla Concert has evolved into a cornerstone of cultural celebrations, particularly among the youth. After pausing due to the global pandemic, the concert made a roaring comeback in 2023, continuing to honour the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. The event stands out for its unique blend of musical entertainment and historical reflection, creating a deeply resonant experience for attendees.
The 2024 edition promises to be a grand musical fiesta, featuring performances from a mix of popular and emerging rock bands. The line-up, as announced by Young Bangla, includes fan favourites such as Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Avoid Rafa, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, the local sensation Tirondaz from Chattogram, and Carnival. These acts are set to electrify the stage, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Bangladesh and inspiring a new generation with the indomitable spirit of its people.
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Art Therapy through Printmaking’: Gallery Cosmos’s unique offering at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival
Gallery Cosmos, the artistic wing of Cosmos Foundation, is hosting a unique, interactive segment titled “Art Therapy through Printmaking” at “Inspire Her Wellness” by Dhaka Flow, a pioneering yoga and wellness festival.
The festival — to be held on March 8-9 at the Baridhara Society Lakeside Park in Dhaka — will commemorate International Women's Day 2024, while “Art Therapy through Printmaking” will celebrate the power of creative expression in healing through art.
Eminent and pioneering printmaking artist Professor Rokeya Sultana will conduct a live printmaking session and workshop at the Creative Playground for the attendees. Besides, young artist Surovi Akter will be drawing caricatures live at the event.
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The workshop and printmaking session will be held on both days - Friday, March 8 at 11:30 am and Saturday, March 9 at 11:00 am.
In addition, the Gallery Cosmos Pavilion will be featuring 20 promising young visual artists and printmakers, showcasing a total of 35 artworks as part of its ongoing commitment to promote the country’s emerging talent by highlighting the work of these talented female artists.
With a large number of visitors expected to join and explore the art fair, Gallery Cosmos aims to provide a platform for these young Bangladeshi artists to gain recognition and appreciation on a global scale. The festival-goers can purchase their artwork from the gallery at the festival.
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Art therapy has long been recognised for its capacity to unlock emotional expression and foster healing. It serves as a non-verbal communication channel that allows individuals to explore their deepest thoughts and feelings.
Women have been pivotal in the art world, yet their representation has not always been proportional to their talent. This event is dedicated to promoting women artists who do more than just fill a gallery; they shatter glass ceilings and pave the way for the next generation of female creators. They challenge societal norms, question the status quo, and, most importantly, offer a rich narrative with diverse female perspectives.
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Women’s entrepreneurship in the art world is a burgeoning force. Female artists are not just creators but innovators and business leaders.
One of these pioneering women entrepreneurs is Nahar Khan, a writer, curator, and patron of the arts who is currently serving as the Executive Director at the Gallery Cosmos and the Cosmos Foundation. In addition, Nahar Khan also currently serves as Director at United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and Vice President of the Cosmos Group.
An enthusiast of Arts and Culture who is keen on working towards inclusive curatorial practices and curatorial activism to challenge assumptions, hegemony, and heterocentrism while sparking meaningful discourse around social, racial, and political issues, Nahar Khan is especially devoted to the cultural and historical exchanges between communities.
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Gallery Cosmos garnered widespread recognition from the international creative community for many of its artistic endeavours. Among these endeavours was the series of intellectual and artistic interventions for “The Black Story” project, an interactive virtual exhibition conceived and curated by Nahar Khan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also works with differently-abled children in the art space and holds several art events and workshops for them, alongside the regular artistic ventures of the gallery in order to foster the country’s glorious art and culture.
Kicking off this Friday at 10 am with an opening ceremony by Dhaka Flow co-founder and esteemed yogini, Shazia Omar, the “Inspire Her Wellness” festival is scheduled to host a wide range of workshops and classes, originating and concluding at Baridhara Society Lake Park on March 8-9.
UNB is the media partner of the festival.
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