A new horizon in the realm of art

Ushering in a new horizon in the realm of art, the four-day (March 27-30) long Second Charukala Utshab 2019 Gazipur is in full swing. The festival, aiming to inspire a creative and humane generation, boasts of bringing together several hundred artists from across Bangladesh. In a bid to diffuse and decentralise the art practice from cities to the remote countryside, this unique festival, themed Beautiful Environment, Artistic Life, is being held at Bhawal Mirzapur Haji Jamir Uddin School and College, Gazipur. Apart from art camp, the festival features exhibitions, cultural programmes and folk arts & crafts fair. The Daily Star and Channel i are media partners of the festival.

Around 40 renowned artists, including Rafiqun Nabi, Abul Barq Alvi, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Farida Zaman, Khawaja Qayyum, Mohammad Eunus, Shishir Bhattacharya, Afzal Hossain, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Mostafizul Haque, Rafi Haque, Sheikh Afzal Hossain, Mohammad Iqbal, Afrozaa Jamil Konka, Fareha Zeba, joined the art camp yesterday to augment the image and prestige of the festival. Their vivacious presence, creation of art, taking part in cultural programme and a close interaction with the participating artists of four generations created a fantastic vibe and positive energy at the festival venue.   

“I am mesmerized with the wonderful reception ceremony that has just taken place here. Such an art festival rarely happens in Bangladesh,” said Rafiqun Nabi, who formally inaugurated the art camp, “As artists, we want to relay our feelings and emotions through art. Beautiful thoughts and joyfulness are prerequisites to the job.”

Renowned artist Mohammad Eunus, the convener of the festival, thanked all concerned to organize and cooperate the festival making it a grand success. He also introduced all the distinguished artists with all.

“This festival has spontaneously created a sense of togetherness among all the participating artists,” said Harun-ar-Rashid Tutul, who was visibly pleased with the arrangements. “We cannot accomplish a grand festival like this alone. A public-private-partnership, along with a sincere cooperation from the people from all walks of life, can help us reach our desired dream.”

Creating art in a quiet place beyond the chaotic city life, and in a natural environment adorned with greenery and in the midst of the nuances of Bengali culture is a great achievement, one the festival can take pride in. It hopes to generate a bond among the artists, students and the local inhabitants. Two hundred students from the host school and other 20 adjacent schools are participating in the festival. The far-reaching influence of the initiative will help Bangladesh flourish artistically in many ways. If the festival continues to take place in every district, Bangladesh will soon become artistically rich and culturally vibrant in the future.