Arts-&-Culture
Music lovers enamoured with Dhaka City Sound Project concert by Goethe-AFD
The Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, in partnership with Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), organized a special concert titled 'Dhaka City Sound Project' on Thursday night at the Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Dhanmondi in the capital, enthralling music lovers with captivating fusion scores.
Five artists including the German musician, music producer and artistic director of Dhaka City Sound project Viktor Marek, renowned Bangladeshi music artist Kanak Aditya, rapper Shagor, percussionist Toisifor Rahman Eem and flutist Jabiul Islam.
Aiming at creating a musical portrait of cities, the City Sound Project initiated by Goethe-Institut and has been implemented in Dhaka, Kolkata and Colombo.
Also read: AFD to host Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition 'Eternal Existence'
The decisive factor behind the project is the encounter with an unfamiliar acoustic context and its transformation into a new aesthetic reality.
The City Sound project started in December 2022 with a research visit to Dhaka by Viktor Marek, a German musician and music composer based in Hamburg. During the trip, Viktor Marek immersed himself in Dhaka's artistic scene and recorded the city's acoustic impressions.
Through this trip, Viktor identified four talented musicians to collaborate with him in producing the sonic portrait of Dhaka: Kanak Aditya (vocalist), Shagor (rapper), Eem (percussion), and Jabiul Islam (flute).
Also read: Inaugural edition of 'Dhaka Makers' showcases a convivial urban rendezvous
Viktor Marek returned to Dhaka during the first week of July 2023 to commence the production phase of the project. This phase began with rehearsals involving the four selected musicians and will culminate in two consecutive concerts in Dhaka.
The first concert took place on July 18 at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park Amphitheater in Gulshan 2. This concert was organized in partnership with Dhaka Sessions powered by bKash. People from various backgrounds and walks of life joined together to experience Dhaka in a new and extraordinary way through the power of music.
This was followed by this second and final concert on July 20 at Alliance Française de Dhaka premises.
Also read: Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD
During the production phase, the contributions of four Bangladeshi artists, namely Eem, Kanak Aditya, Shagor, and Jabiul Islam, were essential. They extensively rehearsed with Viktor Marek to perform alongside Marek during the two concerts in Dhaka.
As a result, the final piece goes beyond being an outsider's musical portrait of Dhaka and instead becomes an inspired blend of both the inside and outside perspectives. While certain parts of the songs have been rehearsed, the artists mostly improvised, ensuring that each concert is unique.
Titles of the music tracks created through the intensive rehearsals process were: 'Nightrider', 'Gulistan Flowers', 'Good evening', 'Bassektara', 'Cell Song', 'Alal & Dulal', 'Sky, Water, Land', 'Baul Experience', 'The country of colours', 'Aliens Bells' and 'Maschinenland'.
Also read: ‘Bangalir Porichoy Kabbo’: Ode to the Father of the Nation on ‘Taal Patar Puthi’
AFD to host Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition 'Eternal Existence'
Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) is set to host the 5th solo art exhibition of young artist Sourav Chowdhury titled ‘Eternal Existence’.
The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 6 pm at La Galerie.
Eminent artist Prof Rafiqun Nabi will join the opening ceremony as its chief guest, while Chargé d'affaires of the French Embassy, Guillaume Audren De Kerdrel, and renowned art critic Moinuddin Khaled will also attend the event as special guests.
Inaugural edition of 'Dhaka Makers' showcases a convivial urban rendezvous
Sourav Chowdhury has been exploring civilization and its existence since his childhood, and his quest began at a tender age when there were no earthly boundaries between imagination and reality. Chowdhury's imagination has led him to various forms, such as ancient Bengali folk characters — be it the majestic nightcrawler owls, age-old clay dolls in the name of ‘Tepa Putul’ or the ancient characters like the mighty tiger from the folk masterpiece ‘Gazir Pot’ (traditional scroll painting); and also in many historic timelines — be it the Mughal era or the recent timeline of the contemporary art scenario.
This exhibition is a part of his longtime ongoing series 'Eternal Existence,' which resonates with vivid imaginations and ancient symbolism.
Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2023 at Drik: Narrating stories beyond lenses
Chowdhury has travelled to various countries and explored traditional architectural installations, combining ancient formats with Bangladeshi folk themes and characters. He aims to transform human nature into something beautiful, jovial, and uplifting through his imaginary characterizations. He is experimenting with multiple mediums, including etching, sculpture, and installations, to express his inner artistic thoughts through various media, and also humorously depicts idioms and proverbs used in Bengal and occasionally makes connections between his work and the present world.
Currently working as the Artistic Director at Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, Sourav Chowdhury has established himself as one of the important Bangladeshi artists through his years of tremendous artistic experience. As a young journeyman in the vast realm of the Bangladeshi art sphere, Sourav Chowdhury has participated in numerous national and international art exhibitions at home and beyond.
A total of 30 artworks will adorn the gallery space of the exhibition, most of which are in the media of etching and aquatint. Additionally, there are ceramic, metal, fiber sculptures, and installations.
Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD
Artist Sourav Chowdhury was born in Rajshahi in 1987. Even before completing his BFA and MFA in Drawing and Painting from the University of Development Alternative (UODA), he embarked on his artistic journey and participated in many exhibitions, art camps and competitions at home and beyond.
His first solo exhibition titled 'Eternal Existence' was held at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in 2016, followed by his second and third exhibits titled 'Eternal Existence–Circle of Dynamism' held at Cherepovets Museum Association, Cherepovets, Russia, and Academy of Professional Development and Retraining of Educators, Moscow, Russia in 2017. His fourth solo exhibition titled 'Eternal Existence' was held at the Russian Ambassador's residence in Dhaka in the same year.
Showcasing artists of tomorrow: AISD students reimagine their world
For his brilliance in art, Sourav Chowdhury has received several awards including Bengal Foundation Award (Printmaking) at the 22nd National Art Exhibition 2017 and the 'Best Award' at the 20th Berger Young Painters' Art Competition 2015, to name a few.
The exhibition will be open to all till Tuesday, August 1, every day from 3 pm to 9 pm (closed on Sunday).
Top 15 Heritage Sites of Bangladesh
Heritage sites are cultural and natural treasures that provide a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of a country or region. These sites hold significant historical, architectural, or cultural value and are preserved for future generations. Bangladesh, a country brimming with captivating stories and ancient wonders, boasts a plethora of such heritage sites. Keep reading as we go over 15 must-visit heritage sites in Bangladesh.
15 Most Well-known Heritage Sites in Bangladesh
Sundarbans
The Sundarbans, located in Khulna, in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, is the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It covers approximately 10,000 square kilometres and is known for its rich biodiversity.
Read more: 5 Sundarbans eco resorts to experience world’s largest mangrove forest
Inaugural edition of 'Dhaka Makers' showcases a convivial urban rendezvous
Offering a unique and refreshing cultural breathing space to residents of the capital, Dhaka Makers raised the curtain on its inaugural event HSBC presents Dhaka Makers’ Week at the city’s Aloki Convention Center in Tejgaon.
The initiators of the event, collectively known as the Dhaka Makers - emerged with a vision to help the creative communities of Dhaka through a one-of-a-kind arts and crafts festival that would provide an opportunity for independent creators to establish their brands, collaborate with fellow artists, and share their expertise with a wide array of audiences.
The inauguration ceremony was held on the first day, initiated by the team which comprises creative inspired artists and doers - Fahd Sattar, Istela Imam, Maruful Hoque, Fairose Yasmin, Maleena Gomez, Tahsin N Choudhury, Mahenaz Chowdhury, Umaila Akhter, Zafir Huq, Taiara Farhana Tareque, and Mariha Q Chowdhury.
Anusheh Anadil and Durjoy Rahman were guests of honour at the inauguration ceremony. After their speeches, the ceremony was followed by a live performance by Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay.
Through the first-ever Dhaka Makers’ Week, the team took their first step in fostering the local arts and culture scene through an offline platform that engages artists from all creative spheres.
Their objective was to create a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates the city’s innovative talent through thoughtfully curated spaces – where the “Makers” or collective artisans were able to exhibit their work, sell their products, and conduct interactive workshops.
Moheener Ghoraguli lost its founding member Tapas Bapi Das to cancer
One of the founding members of the pioneering Indian Bangla rock band ‘Moheener Ghoraguli’, and renowned songwriter, guitarist, and music connoisseur Tapas Bapi Das, who was battling lung cancer, passed away this morning.
He breathed his last at the SSKM Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, according to several media reports.
Moheener Ghoraguli, and through the band, Tapas, revolutionised Bangla music since 1974 with a unique amalgamation of baul, jazz, folk and rock music that was complemented with melodious, soulful sounds and meaningful lyrics. Tapas was one of the most highly revered artistes in West Bengal.
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He had been battling lung cancer for a while and was in its third stage, receiving chemotherapy. Artistes in both West Bengal and Bangladesh were raising funds for his treatment ever since the news of his illness broke in January, and the West Bengal government was taking care of his treatment.
A fundraising concert by 40 leading Bangladeshi artistes for his treatment was scheduled to take place on July 14 at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka.
Born on September 22, 1954, in Kolkata, Tapas became one of the founding members of ‘Moheneer Ghoraguli’ in 1974 alongside its original lineup -- Gautam Chattopadhyay, Ranjon Ghoshal, Pradip Chatterjee, Biswanath Bishu Chattopadhyay, Tapesh Bandopadhyay and Abraham Mazumdar. This original line-up performed together till 1978.
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After the disintegration of the band, Tapas became the mastermind and mentor behind the next-generation Bangla band ‘Moheen Ekhon O Bondhura’ in 2015.
Tapas is credited as the co-lyricist, composer, and singer of many popular tracks of ‘Moheener Ghoraguli’ including "Haay, Bhalobasi," "Bheshe Ashey Kolkata," "Shudhijon Shono,” "Ayee Surey Bohudurey" and more.
Eventholic, the organizer of the scheduled fundraising concert in Bangladesh for the legendary artiste, posted on its official Facebook page: “Even though he lost his battle with cancer, he at least got to know about this initiative, and he expressed his joy when we first discussed this concert with him. We even signed some t-shirts by him last night.”
“A tribute concert will surely take place, as we really want to stand beside his wife, Sutapa Das, and details will be revealed after two days. The show must go on,” says the post.
Also read: ‘Murir Tin’: Coke Studio Bangla launches season 2 with nod to local dialects
Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2023 at Drik: Narrating stories beyond lenses
Showcasing 31 photographs by 23 local photojournalists — with engaging stories from across the nation — a group exhibition titled ‘Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2023’ is currently underway at the DrikPath Bhobon, Panthapath in Dhaka.
An exclusive initiative organised by Drik Picture Library, the exhibition curated by ASM Rezaur Rahman, showcases the winning and selected photographs from the 2nd annual Bangladesh Press Photo Contest. Drik launched the contest last year, lauding the practice of meaningful storytelling through quality photojournalism in the country.
Read: Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD
Inaugurated by renowned journalist and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir on Friday, the exhibition awarded seven photographers in three categories. The award for Picture of the Year 2022 was awarded to Abdul Goni from the daily Ittefaq, who received the award for his work titled ‘A Lonely Battle’.
Md Shamsul Haque Suza from Daily Global Nation received the award in the category of Arts, Culture and Sports, while United News of Bangladesh (UNB) photojournalist Abu Sufian Jewel received the honourable mention award in this category.
Mamun Hossain from the daily Kazir Bazar received the best award in the category of Politics, while the honourable mention went to Quddus Alam from Focus Bangla. Sardar Mohammad Rafiul Islam from BPS received the best award in the Public Interest Journalism category while the honourable mention went to Md Rafayat Haque Khan from Zuma Press.
Sharing his experience of being awarded the top prize in the competition which received more than 1500 photographs this year, Abdul Goni told UNB that he is elated. “This is the first time I have been awarded the top prize in any competition in my career and I am grateful to the judges for this honour,” he said.
Read: Curtain rises on 25th National Art Exhibition at BSA
“On April 15 last year when a fire broke out in a plastic factory in the capital's Shaheed Nagar area, I saw a courageous elderly individual trying earnestly to put out the fire from the balcony of a nearby building. He was alone in the building as everyone was already moving out fearing the massive fire, and while even the fire brigade was facing a hard time against the fire, he stood against the flame with just a hose pipe.
“I struggled to capture this image because this symbolized courage to me, and I believe even if we stand alone but in unity against havoc and calamities like these, we can always hope for a better tomorrow,” Goni told UNB.
Two photographs of UNB photojournalist Abu Sufian Jewel are being displayed at the exhibition. One of the pictures, showing some children engaging in a spirited game of football in the picturesque hills of the Nilachal area, Bandarban, received the honourable mention award in the Arts, Culture and Sports category.
“I captured the moment in September last year which took me back to my childhood; and even without many urban facilities that children in the cities get, they were enjoying their afternoon on the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2022 through a sport which has always been immensely popular in the country. I am grateful to the judges and Drik for considering me for the honourable mention award in the category,” Jewel told UNB.
“All these images are narrating outstanding visual stories, and the contexts of these photographs are familiar to us in the setting of our country. These photographs are really fascinating and the dedication of the photojournalists is vividly reflected in each photograph,” Nafisa Tabassum, a school teacher, said while visiting the exhibition.
The esteemed jury board of the competition comprised photographer, editor and educator Abir Abdullah; Dhaka University Mass Communication and Journalism Department Professor Gitiara Nasreen, renowned cinematographer Rashed Zaman, Indian editor, curator and writer Tanvi Mishra and eminent photographer and Drik Picture Library Managing Director Shahidul Alam.
This year’s exhibition and competition introduced a special Community Grant Programme titled 'Photojournalism in the Margins' for photographers from the indigenous community of Chattogram Hill Tracts and the Rohingya community residing in Bangladesh.
Read: Showcasing artists of tomorrow: AISD students reimagine their world
Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD
Sarkar Nahid Niazi's sixth solo art exhibition, titled 'Manyfestation' was inaugurated at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka in the capital’s Dhanmondi on Friday.
Art maestro Professor Shishir Bhattacharjee, Department of Drawing and Painting, Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University, attended the event as the special guest while Nadia Samdani, President of Samdani Art Foundation joined the event as the guest of honour.
In her work, Sarkar Nahid Niazi attempts to give a new life to old, worn, and rusty systems around us. With a touch of aesthetics, she transforms the old into a new form. Through the use of colour and texture, she transforms solid and insipid materials such as wood into lively and interesting subjects.
The artist enjoys presenting new and beautiful things through her work. Sarkar Nahid Niazi defines the boundaries of her art through the use of colour and form. This artist's works reveal that her art is both rhetorical and realistic at the same time, intended to build relationships.
As Nahid's artworks create a relationship between utility and aesthetics, they also help to see the relationship between art and real life in a new light. This duality will make it possible for the viewer to experience the materiality and epistemology of this contemporary artist's work.
There are around 25 artworks in this exhibition. The medium she used is painted acrylic on canvas, wood and carton (box).
'Manyfestation' is Nahid Niazi's 6th solo art exhibition. The artist participated in five solo exhibitions and about 20 group exhibitions at home and abroad.
The exhibition will be open to all till June 13, Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Curtain rises on 25th National Art Exhibition at BSA
The 25th edition of the National Art Exhibition began on Sunday at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA)’s National Art Gallery, returning to its full normalcy after being held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.
Known as one of the most vividly celebrated art exhibitions of the country and one of the flagship artistic ventures of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) since 1975, this year’s National Art Exhibition is featuring 301 artworks by 261 artists from across the country.
On Sunday evening, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid inaugurated the exhibition as chief guest at the National Art Gallery auditorium. Independence Award-winning eminent artist Hashem Khan, artist Abdul Mannan, artist Monirul Islam and Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed were present as special guests at the inaugural ceremony.
BSA's Director of Fine Arts Syeda Mahbuba Karim delivered the welcome speech and the inauguration ceremony was chaired by BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky, while BSA Salahuddin Ahmed delivered the vote of thanks.
“This year is culturally significant for our country, as our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was awarded the prestigious Joliot-Curie medal on May 23, 1973, and that brings us the 50th year celebration of that honour. At the same time, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the prestigious National Art Exhibition, and it is overwhelming to see all these captivating artworks from the talented, majestic artists of our country,” KM Khalid said at the event.
Showcasing artists of tomorrow: AISD students reimagine their world
Featuring 3 artworks from each of 190 elementary students – that’s a whopping 570 artworks – of the American International School Dhaka (AISD), the Elementary School Art Show opened on May 8, 2023.
While observing the artworks, prominently on display at the school in Dhaka, one couldn’t help but be amazed by the ingenuity, passion and use of several mediums by these very young, budding artists – some of whom may go on to achieve national and international acclaim.
A crucial factor behind that artistic journey is access to resources, encouragement from both parents and school, and platforms to showcase their works. All these elements seemed to be there for AISD students, as demonstrated through the exhibition and during conversation with the Elementary School Principal at AISD and the ES Art Teacher.
About the objective of the exhibition, preparation behind it, and display, the art teacher said: “So, this is the second art show that we’ve had that’s been in the physical space. Each student had three pieces of artwork that were part of the show. They produced the artwork, making the general decisions about what’s going to go in the show, and then as a curator, I made the final decisions based on space and placement.”
“The artworks are placed on the wall, and then anything that is 3D was either placed on a stand or on a table. They’re all arranged with the title of the artwork, the artist’s name and then what media they used,” the teacher said.
“We have classes, so there is not often a time when the parents get to see what the kids do in the art room, and they’re working towards going into Middle School. Having a gallery or an exhibition is important as it makes them feel special. I mean, that’s actually what happens with art – it goes into a gallery, so it’s just giving that feel and making them feel that their artwork has value,” the art teacher explained why the exhibition is important.
National Museum to send proposal for including palm leaf scroll etching as UNESCO cultural heritage: KM Khalid
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid on Friday said that the tradition of palm leaf scroll painting and etching can be included as UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage and Bangladesh’s National Museum will send proposals in this regard to the global organisation.
“Painting and writing on palm leaves is a unique artistic craft and is the first of its kind in Bangladesh. The renowned Bangladeshi artist Afrozaa Jamil Konka — the second daughter of the valiant hero Shaheed Col Jamil who sacrificed his life to save the Father of the Nation and his family — has decorated and designed the palm leaf scrolls based on the long poem 'Bangalir Porichoy Kabbo' by the France-based Bengali playwright Choyon Khairul Habib, symbolizing the various chapters of Bangabandhu's revolutionary life and the historical episodes of the nation. We will send an official proposal to UNESCO for including this procedure as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage,” the state minister said.
The state minister shared his remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of an exclusive exhibition based on the unique project titled “Bangalir Porichoy Kabbo”, an epic verse engraved on ‘Taal Patar Puthi’ (manuscript on palm leaves) at the Nalini Kanta Bhattashali Gallery of the National Museum, Shahbagh in the capital.
Bangladesh National Museum Director General Md Kamruzzaman, eminent artist Prof Hashem Khan, and Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Prof Nisar Hossain spoke as special guests while the welcome remarks were shared by Choyon Khairul Habib and artist Afrozaa Jamil Konka.
“We all know that the palm leaf has multiple uses and the hand fans made with the leaves have been our lifelong companions before the availability of electric fans. The palm leaf scroll which we call ‘Puthi’ in Bengali, has been a great heritage element in our culture and my gratitude goes to Habib for such a wonderful poem on Bangabandhu and Konka for her majestic artistry,” Khalid said.
The engraving artist for the project was Prashant Maharana, a craftsman from the state of Odisha, India. The state minister conveyed his heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Shaheed Colonel Jamil Foundation for taking this great initiative.
Choyon Khairul Habib, poet-playwright and the author of “Bangalir Porichoy Kabbo” shared the background story of this epic poem-turned-puthi, saying: “I have highlighted the history of Bangladesh, the evolution of the Bengali community and the nationality alongside the symbolic narrative of Bangabandhu in this poem.”
“Since I started writing ‘Bangalir Porichoy Kabbo’, the incentive to preserve the work with palm leaf puthi was in my plan, and the very first person I thought of regarding the illustration was none other than Afrozaa Jamil Konka due to her connection to Bangabandhu through her great patriot father, Shaheed Colonel Jamil, and I can proudly say she did justice to the project.”