Bangladeshi art sets sail for Tokyo International Art Fair

With a visionary mission to elevate Bangladeshi art to the global stage, Platforms Gallery is gearing up for its inaugural appearance at the prestigious Tokyo International Art Fair, set to take place on November 29 and 30. The works of three Bangladeshi artists—Auntora Mehrukh Azad, Fakhrul Islam Mazumder Shakil, and Tariqul Islam Herok—will be showcased at this global event.

Art patron and curator Rayana Hossain, founder and managing director of ISHO and Platforms, is committed to amplifying the voices of emerging Bangladeshi artists. Beyond hosting a plethora of artwork on their online platform, Rayana is dedicated to instilling professionalism in the Bangladeshi art industry by signing talented artists and creating new opportunities.

"Internationally, art and creative activities follow a professional structure, which we often lack here," she remarked. "When I compare emerging global artists to ours, I see equal standards and potential in their works. However, the key difference is exposure. Together, Bangladeshis at home and abroad can help create a global voice for our art."

Rayana envisions global recognition for Bangladeshi artists. "I hope our artists will gain exposure and appreciation worldwide and establish a standard for Bangladeshi art globally," she said. "We are also working to create more opportunities beyond art fairs, such as international residency programs and biennales. These efforts will allow us to collaborate with more artists and discover unique Bangladeshi talents."

On future projects, Rayana shared, "We have an exciting pipeline of artistic ventures, including solo exhibitions and multidisciplinary projects that will come to fruition in the near future."  

Highlights from Platforms Gallery  

Platforms Gallery recently hosted Auntora Mehrukh Azad's solo exhibition, "Solastalgia: Fragments of a Fading Horizon," exploring climate-induced flooding and the rural-urban dichotomy. Auntora's works blend internal emotions with observations of landscapes reshaped by human activity and environmental crises, reflecting her experiences growing up in Dhaka, one of the world's most climate-vulnerable cities.

Auntora holds an MFA and BFA in Drawing and Painting from the University of Dhaka. Her work has been featured in notable events, including the 2023 Dhaka Art Summit, the 2019 Yogyakarta International Art Festival in Indonesia, and the Global Women, Women's Art Exhibition in Thailand. She has also participated in the Asian Art Biennial and the National Art Exhibition in Bangladesh, among others. Her works are part of esteemed collections such as the Samdani Art Foundation and Imago Mundi: Luciano Benetton Collection.

Mohammed Fakhrul Islam Mazumder, a printmaking artist from Cumilla, has also made his mark on the global stage. A graduate of the University of Dhaka, he has exhibited at events such as the Ulsan International Print Art Festival in South Korea and the 19th Asian Art Biennale in Bangladesh. His accolades include the Excellent Work Award from Yunnan Art University in China and the Lalit Kala Academy Print Biennale Award in India.

Another rising star, Tariqul Islam Herok from Munshiganj, is celebrated for his focus on mythical narratives and folk tales. A top graduate of the University of Dhaka, Herok has received numerous accolades, including the Zainul Abedin Gold Medal and the Best Award (Painting) at the 22nd Young Artists Exhibition.