Aishwarya Raihan

Contributing writer for Arts & Entertainment.

‘Carving the Self’: Abu Al Naeem explores the psyche through woodcut

The last week of July brought an artistic distraction in the wake of a national tragedy. Seeking a brief moment of emotional respite, I visited Safiuddin Shilpalay on July 26, 2025, as it inaugurated “Carving the Self: Id | Ego | Superego”—the first solo art exhibition of emerging artist Abu Al Naeem. The ceremony was attended by noted professors from the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka, including Prof Syed Abul Barq Alvi, Prof Dr Azharul Islam Sheikh, Prof Anisuzzaman Anis, and Associate Prof Md Nazir Hossain Khan. Artist and founder of Safiuddin Shilpalay, Ahmed Nazir, was also present.

5d ago

Farida Yesmin Parveen brings fluid acrylic art to life in ‘Colors of Nature’

Almost eight years ago, my eyes encountered a mystical green painting that looked like a fluid fairy forest. That piece, along with several others, shared a similar sense of fluidity. They belonged to a senior from both my school and university. Since then, this style of artwork, known as fluid acrylic art, has become one of my obsessions, making me dive into its world. When I thus came across artist Farida Yesmin Parveen's art exhibition event on social media, I realised that she's someone I must meet.

1w ago

Liton Kar radiates artistic grandeur through ‘She, the Universe: The Infinity Within Her’

I have always seen an invisible halo, or perhaps a crown, atop my mother and her three sisters, especially since I was raised by a full‑time working single woman, as though they were goddesses reborn as women. These women—unstoppable, hyperactive, free‑spirited, self‑reliant, and compassionate—are my universe.

2w ago

‘The Moments’: Bewitching the soul and mind

Bhumi Gallery in Lalmatia unveiled Mahmudur Rahman Dipon’s third solo visual art exhibition, “The Moments”, on a cloudy summer evening, July 4, 2025. The inauguration welcomed eminent artist and Professor Emeritus Rafiqun Nabi as the chief guest. Renowned Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan graced the event as the special guest, bringing all her starlight. The event marked a celebration of Dipon’s evolving creative journey, featuring an array of compelling works across different media.

4w ago

‘Nandonpot’: A multigenerational collection of expression

After a hectic day at work, I found myself rushing to Gallery Chitrak last Sunday evening to indulge in “Nandonpot”, a group art exhibition inaugurated on the day of the summer solstice (June 21). I could hardly control my excitement before entering the gallery, and like most of the time, I was not disappointed. “Nandonpot” is a visual group art exhibition displaying artworks by artists from various generations. Notably, Eminent artist Professor Hamiduzzaman Khan, art critic Moinuddin Khaled, and Country Chief Risk Officer Mohammad Enamul Haque of Standard Chartered Bank, attended the opening ceremony as guests.

1m ago

'Keeping Childcare in Picture': The importance of women in our economy

Drik Gallery today wrapped up an exhibition on the emergence and evolution of child care facilities in Bangladesh through the photography of Md Rakibul Hasan. In collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), the exhibition “Keeping Childcare in Picture” intends to inform the masses and create awareness about the necessity and nature of child care facilities in our country. 

2m ago

‘O Death O Dance’: Optical illusions and sensory delight

“O Death O Dance”, a solo visual art exhibition displaying artist Mobassir Alam Mazumder's compositions, is as mystical and beautiful as its name. During its inauguration on May 6 at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Art Gallery, veteran painter and Professor Emeritus Rafiqun Nabi graced the event as the chief guest. Artist and writer Professor Abul Mansur and art critic Syed Azizul Haque also attended the ceremony as speakers. Following the affectionate speeches from the guests, Prof Nabi declared the exhibition to be open for visitors.

2m ago

‘Miniscope 2’ returns to prove less is more

Dwip Gallery in Lalmatia opened its doors to the second exhibition of its kind, “Miniscope 2”, on April 26. Flaunting creative gateways for diverse artists from both Bangladesh and India, it is currently hosting miniature and endearing artworks.

3m ago
July 28, 2025
July 28, 2025

‘Carving the Self’: Abu Al Naeem explores the psyche through woodcut

The last week of July brought an artistic distraction in the wake of a national tragedy. Seeking a brief moment of emotional respite, I visited Safiuddin Shilpalay on July 26, 2025, as it inaugurated “Carving the Self: Id | Ego | Superego”—the first solo art exhibition of emerging artist Abu Al Naeem. The ceremony was attended by noted professors from the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka, including Prof Syed Abul Barq Alvi, Prof Dr Azharul Islam Sheikh, Prof Anisuzzaman Anis, and Associate Prof Md Nazir Hossain Khan. Artist and founder of Safiuddin Shilpalay, Ahmed Nazir, was also present.

July 21, 2025
July 21, 2025

Farida Yesmin Parveen brings fluid acrylic art to life in ‘Colors of Nature’

Almost eight years ago, my eyes encountered a mystical green painting that looked like a fluid fairy forest. That piece, along with several others, shared a similar sense of fluidity. They belonged to a senior from both my school and university. Since then, this style of artwork, known as fluid acrylic art, has become one of my obsessions, making me dive into its world. When I thus came across artist Farida Yesmin Parveen's art exhibition event on social media, I realised that she's someone I must meet.

July 19, 2025
July 19, 2025

Liton Kar radiates artistic grandeur through ‘She, the Universe: The Infinity Within Her’

I have always seen an invisible halo, or perhaps a crown, atop my mother and her three sisters, especially since I was raised by a full‑time working single woman, as though they were goddesses reborn as women. These women—unstoppable, hyperactive, free‑spirited, self‑reliant, and compassionate—are my universe.

July 5, 2025
July 5, 2025

‘The Moments’: Bewitching the soul and mind

Bhumi Gallery in Lalmatia unveiled Mahmudur Rahman Dipon’s third solo visual art exhibition, “The Moments”, on a cloudy summer evening, July 4, 2025. The inauguration welcomed eminent artist and Professor Emeritus Rafiqun Nabi as the chief guest. Renowned Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan graced the event as the special guest, bringing all her starlight. The event marked a celebration of Dipon’s evolving creative journey, featuring an array of compelling works across different media.

June 25, 2025
June 25, 2025

‘Nandonpot’: A multigenerational collection of expression

After a hectic day at work, I found myself rushing to Gallery Chitrak last Sunday evening to indulge in “Nandonpot”, a group art exhibition inaugurated on the day of the summer solstice (June 21). I could hardly control my excitement before entering the gallery, and like most of the time, I was not disappointed. “Nandonpot” is a visual group art exhibition displaying artworks by artists from various generations. Notably, Eminent artist Professor Hamiduzzaman Khan, art critic Moinuddin Khaled, and Country Chief Risk Officer Mohammad Enamul Haque of Standard Chartered Bank, attended the opening ceremony as guests.

May 20, 2025
May 20, 2025

'Keeping Childcare in Picture': The importance of women in our economy

Drik Gallery today wrapped up an exhibition on the emergence and evolution of child care facilities in Bangladesh through the photography of Md Rakibul Hasan. In collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), the exhibition “Keeping Childcare in Picture” intends to inform the masses and create awareness about the necessity and nature of child care facilities in our country. 

May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025

‘O Death O Dance’: Optical illusions and sensory delight

“O Death O Dance”, a solo visual art exhibition displaying artist Mobassir Alam Mazumder's compositions, is as mystical and beautiful as its name. During its inauguration on May 6 at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Art Gallery, veteran painter and Professor Emeritus Rafiqun Nabi graced the event as the chief guest. Artist and writer Professor Abul Mansur and art critic Syed Azizul Haque also attended the ceremony as speakers. Following the affectionate speeches from the guests, Prof Nabi declared the exhibition to be open for visitors.

April 29, 2025
April 29, 2025

‘Miniscope 2’ returns to prove less is more

Dwip Gallery in Lalmatia opened its doors to the second exhibition of its kind, “Miniscope 2”, on April 26. Flaunting creative gateways for diverse artists from both Bangladesh and India, it is currently hosting miniature and endearing artworks.

February 6, 2025
February 6, 2025

Bengal Shilpalay presents Hamiduzzaman Khan’s artistic journey on display

When I was merely three, my mother, being a history major and a sibling to freedom fighters, took it upon herself to ingrain the Liberation War and the birth of Bangladesh into my mind. As a result, I grew up learning about “Shangshaptak”, the legendary sculpture representing the spirit of our Liberation War, by the renowned sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan. I felt like I had hit the jackpot when I got the opportunity to meet him and learn from him during my third semester of the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) programme. Finally, 11 years later, I experienced an exhibition dedicated entirely to him.

January 26, 2025
January 26, 2025

‘Wave-2’: Blurring the lines between paintings and photographs

The topographic beauty of Bangladesh owes a debt to its waterbodies. Being a delta embellished with rivers, natural canals, wetlands, lakes, swamps, ponds, and fountains that flow into the Bay of Bengal in the south, the beauty of our land knows no bounds. The spirit of water flows through the veins of Bangladeshi people and the survival of the entire nation revolves around the waterbodies. Thus, our way of life, livelihood, and pretty much everything is centred around water. These ever-familiar images of rural Bangladesh and its people are powerfully portrayed on artist Zannat Keya’s canvases.