Get ready to meet the creative virtuosos behind the hyped Dhaka Makers event. They are a thoughtful group of artists and doers, inspired to encourage, foster and promote the creative community. Don't miss out on the chance to meet the visionaries, the innovators, and the artistic trailblazers who are redefining the art scene through their hard work and dedication behind Dhaka Makers.

Maleena Gomez

Maleena Gomez is the Creative Director and Project Lead at Aneemal Studios. She is also the Creative Head for Monno Ceramics and is an accomplished digital artist pursuing her passion for creating merchandise and stationery for 'Bad Girl Nation'.

As an artist and entrepreneur, Maleena realises that finding a platform to express one's emotions through their work is incredibly important. That is why she and her company try to give clients a tailor-made experience to match the client's specific needs.

According to Maleena, the current state of art in general is heavily saturated and somewhat monotonous with smart technological applications taking over. She believes that independent artists bring a unique flavour that sets them apart and gives them the edge they need to compete in the industry.

Mahenaz Chowdhury

Mahenaz Chowdhury is a talented and dedicated artist who has devoted herself to promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. She founded Broqué, an upcycled streetwear brand in Bangladesh, and has been involved in numerous workshops, educational seminars, and film documentaries highlighting the importance of sustainable clothing practices around the world.

She has worked with national and international organisations to promote eco-friendly and inclusive fashion and has been active in many universities and educational platforms promoting youth activism for sustainable development.

Mahenaz has always championed sustainable fashion. For the better part of the last decade, she has been putting the extra mile for designing creative storytelling workshops to create inclusive safe spaces for artisans of all ages who come from diverse communities all across Bangladesh.

Zafir Huq

Zafir Huq is the COO and Managing Partner of Turn up PR, a public relations firm focused on helping independent artists by giving them a platform to present their work to the masses.

He has worked closely with the arts and entertainment industry in Bangladesh. He says he was fortunate to live a life where he could freely express and explore his creative instincts.

Zafir thinks it's very important that there are abundant opportunities for independent artists.

He has always done his level best to help independent artists who are looking for a good, trustworthy person. His work methodology is very targeted and provides a customised experience for anyone looking for good representation. He also helps artists connect and collaborate with others to help them in the long run.

Tahsin N Choudhury

Tahsin is the art-loving and proactive person who has shown her passion for art knows no bounds. She is the Director at Business Point Ltd. After completing her studies abroad and getting some advertising experience under her belt, she returned to the country and actively started pursuing her passion on the side. She was also the Branding and Partnership manager for Dhaka Lit Fest in 2023.

Tahsin believes that Dhaka has a plethora of untapped potential artisans who bring their own unique spin to the art culture of the city and it's important to embrace their artistic quirks. "Today, more than ever, it is crucial for us to embrace diverse perspectives, and it is through the exploration of distinct and unconventional artistic expressions and storytelling, that we can truly broaden our horizons," expressed Tahsin.

Mariha Q Chowdhury

Mariha Q Chowdhury is the Founder and CEO of Emerald Events, and in her own words she "transforms ordinary places into a visual treat overnight". She loves what she does and is a determined and hardworking person always striving to push boundaries.

Mariha says that it's important to recognise any artistic prowess, no matter how minute it might seem at first. Art comes in all forms big and small and it's important to view them equally for these artists to flourish in the art scene.

"Art is the only language that can free your soul and send out a message," stated Mariha.

Mariha believes that art is the universal language that connects people to each other on a spiritual level. Giving these independent artists a voice for them to be heard is paramount to her.

Taiara Farhana Tareque

Taiara Farhana Tareque is an artist, gallerist and curator here in Dhaka. She has been a prominent presence in the Dhaka art scene for about two decades now. Her form of art is not limited to one form or medium but rather is diversified beyond imagination. She has been running Studio 6/6, a community art space acting as an anchor for hundreds of independent artists in the city.

According to Taiara, it's important to view the world through their eyes which will give us a novel perception of everything around us.

"Artists are important at all times throughout history and existence. World building and imagination create the magic we live in now," said Taiara.

DhakaYeah

DhakaYeah is an illustration project specialising in digital illustrations to capture the essence of Dhaka city. Focusing mainly on the history, nostalgia and surrealism surrounding Dhaka, DhakaYeah aims to capture the original and exceptional aspects of the city and portray it in a contemporary and whimsical way.

The unique venture comes with the objective to provide a safe and inclusive bubble for artists to freely express themselves. They aim to provide guidance and support that these new independent artists need and give them the recognition they deserve. DhakaYeah's core philosophy is to equip new artists with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital art ecosphere and encourage self-sustaining practices within this community of wonderfully talented young individuals.

Essentials —
 All the creative people introduced in this article will be available for meet and greet and showcasing their work at the Dhaka Makers event later this month. For more details, check out their Facebook page.
 

Illustration: Abdul Warith Khan