To have passed by the Shontrash Birodhi Raju Sharokh Bhashkorjo (Anti Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture) one day and to then have stood before its maker the next, was a surreal experience. The moment felt extraordinary, yet, the man I stood before made the the interaction remarkably humble. To me, speaking with sculptor Shyamal Chowdhury equalled reconnecting with an old friend — as though he was back in the art scene after years and was describing art like it were the essence of his existence.
Once the attendees were let in, the hall was barely half-filled. Overlooking the big red curtains of the stage, a mother cat and kitten duo playfully wandered around the auditorium for an unscheduled and whimsical first act of the show. Who could have predicted that the hall full of audience would surge to the front, midway through the show, transforming the seated concert into a captivating celebration?
With each artist contributing two paintings, the exhibition features 108 artworks spread across the well-lit gallery. While there is no singular theme, the collection underscores the intricacy and versatility of watercolour as a medium. Encompassing diverse subjects—from the seasons of Bangladesh to urban vignettes, rural landscapes, the July uprising, and abstract compositions—the exhibition offers a broad spectrum of artistic expressions.
It’s almost impossible not to talk about Chandler Bing when talking about Matthew Perry when the man behind the character himself said, "It wasn't that I thought I could play Chandler; I was Chandler."
Art has always played a significant role in Bangladesh, from moving songs during the Liberation War to modern-day political art. Emphasising this historical context alongside the influence of today’s artists, ‘Day 2’ featured the second dialogue, titled “Artists Leading Paths: Artists in Policymaking.”
“Hatirpool Sessions” began its journey four years ago, offering a perfect blend of simplicity and depth. Its lyrics have given voice to unspoken emotions, connecting with everyday experiences. Now, collaborating with around 25 different artistes—both new and seasoned—the platform is just days away from unveiling its much-awaited third season.
In the dimly lit gallery, decorated with revolutionary-themed art, Anusheh Anadil spoke about love and revolution. A circle of people gathered to discuss the changes they hoped to see in post-revolution Bangladesh. Outside, raindrops tapped gently, while the sound of the Tanpura filled the air. A cat, wearing a blue bandana, wandered through the audience during the inaugural session of the two-week-long festival “Re-love-ution” or “Premandolon” at Jatra Biroti in Banani.
“We are going to display cinema made about our lives.” No big speeches, no dramatic reveals- the hosts of “Indigenous Screen” wished a steadily increasing crowd, a hearty evening and just the aforesaid one-liner as the films made by indigenous filmmakers began to roll out one after another. Yesterday, on the first day of the two-day event “Indigenous Screen”, five films were screened under the evening sky at the Lalmatia D Block field, an initiative organised by the Indigenous Artists’ Unity.
To have passed by the Shontrash Birodhi Raju Sharokh Bhashkorjo (Anti Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture) one day and to then have stood before its maker the next, was a surreal experience. The moment felt extraordinary, yet, the man I stood before made the the interaction remarkably humble. To me, speaking with sculptor Shyamal Chowdhury equalled reconnecting with an old friend — as though he was back in the art scene after years and was describing art like it were the essence of his existence.
Once the attendees were let in, the hall was barely half-filled. Overlooking the big red curtains of the stage, a mother cat and kitten duo playfully wandered around the auditorium for an unscheduled and whimsical first act of the show. Who could have predicted that the hall full of audience would surge to the front, midway through the show, transforming the seated concert into a captivating celebration?
With each artist contributing two paintings, the exhibition features 108 artworks spread across the well-lit gallery. While there is no singular theme, the collection underscores the intricacy and versatility of watercolour as a medium. Encompassing diverse subjects—from the seasons of Bangladesh to urban vignettes, rural landscapes, the July uprising, and abstract compositions—the exhibition offers a broad spectrum of artistic expressions.
It’s almost impossible not to talk about Chandler Bing when talking about Matthew Perry when the man behind the character himself said, "It wasn't that I thought I could play Chandler; I was Chandler."
Art has always played a significant role in Bangladesh, from moving songs during the Liberation War to modern-day political art. Emphasising this historical context alongside the influence of today’s artists, ‘Day 2’ featured the second dialogue, titled “Artists Leading Paths: Artists in Policymaking.”
“Hatirpool Sessions” began its journey four years ago, offering a perfect blend of simplicity and depth. Its lyrics have given voice to unspoken emotions, connecting with everyday experiences. Now, collaborating with around 25 different artistes—both new and seasoned—the platform is just days away from unveiling its much-awaited third season.
In the dimly lit gallery, decorated with revolutionary-themed art, Anusheh Anadil spoke about love and revolution. A circle of people gathered to discuss the changes they hoped to see in post-revolution Bangladesh. Outside, raindrops tapped gently, while the sound of the Tanpura filled the air. A cat, wearing a blue bandana, wandered through the audience during the inaugural session of the two-week-long festival “Re-love-ution” or “Premandolon” at Jatra Biroti in Banani.
“We are going to display cinema made about our lives.” No big speeches, no dramatic reveals- the hosts of “Indigenous Screen” wished a steadily increasing crowd, a hearty evening and just the aforesaid one-liner as the films made by indigenous filmmakers began to roll out one after another. Yesterday, on the first day of the two-day event “Indigenous Screen”, five films were screened under the evening sky at the Lalmatia D Block field, an initiative organised by the Indigenous Artists’ Unity.
What defines a thought? Is it a solitary idea or several notions intertwined within themselves? Can a thought exist in isolation? Perhaps, thoughts are hardly innate, rather they are perceived uniquely in a continuous chaotic dialogue within the mind.
One moment it’s gently snowing down outside the beautiful Ubuyashiki mansion, with a surreal atmosphere between a relentlessly powerful demon and a dying human. In the next chilling few seconds, an impeccable spectacle of a nuclear explosion rises from the heart of the mansion, engulfing the beings inside in vivid glimmers of fire.
