Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD)
Exhibition / ‘Finely Tiny’: The blend of mathematics and Oriental art
In her current body of work, Élise finds inspiration in the intricate symmetry of geometric forms, exploring a shared language between art and science. Her pieces “Classroom” and “Roméo & Juliette – Mathematician Version” epitomise her commitment to merging mathematical calculation with creative expression.
‘Moja-Kori’ design festival to inaugurate Dhaka’s first community-driven cultural hub
Featuring more than 50 events, the festival will showcase architectural designs, artworks, photography, installation pieces, and performing arts, hosted in multiple venues around Korail as well as at Shala Neighbourhood Art Space, Gallery 101, and Alliance Française de Dhaka.
Alliance Française de Dhaka commemorates 65 years
The French language school Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), also adept at art exhibitions, and activities promoting a dynamic exchange between Europe and Bangladesh, marked its 65th anniversary with an extensive lineup of events, showcasing a seamless fusion of Bengali and French culture.
‘Invisible Stories’: Puppetry, ghosts, and traditions under one roof
Through the artistes’ use of puppetry and physical movement, the invisible becomes visible, offering a glimpse into the unseen forces shaping the world around us. From "tree ghosts" blamed for Dhaka's infamous traffic to the "ectoplasm" holding up the city’s walls, the show plays with the supernatural in ways that are both whimsical and profound.
Photo Exhibition / ‘Beyond the Gaze’: Exploring intimacy and isolation at AFD
Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) is currently hosting “Beyond the Gaze”, showcasing a profound exploration of intimacy, identity, and isolation through the lens of emerging photographers and artists. The exhibition features works from the PSA: Beyond the Gaze 2023–2024 workshop, an initiative supported by Photo South Asia under the MurthyNAYAK Foundation, and partnered with AFD and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Delhi, India.
Art exhibition / ‘Stitched Collage’: Exploring Suranjana Bhattacharja’s threads of resilience
Suranjana Bhattacharja's journey into the world of art took a unique turn when she was diagnosed with Dystrophy around a decade ago, causing partial disability in her left hand. Despite the challenges posed by this chronic condition, she found solace in her passion for sewing. Inspired by artists like Kandinsky, she ventured into stitched collage, a novel form of artistic expression. The inception of this exhibition can be traced back to a pivotal moment in Suranjana's life while residing in Montreal. Struck by the parallels between her own journey and that of renowned artists like Matisse, who persisted in creating despite physical limitations, she found renewed determination to pursue her craft.
Nazir Hossain’s ‘Boishakh in the Land of Tiger’ roars to life at AFD
Each painting in the exhibition tells a unique story, inspired by folklore, mythology, and the artist’s own imagination. From lush forests teeming with wildlife to bustling village scenes and joyous Boishakh festivities, they offer a glimpse into a world of beauty, wonder, and timeless tradition. He employs a unique blend of folk motifs, indigenous symbols, and captivating fables, to weave a narrative enriched in cultural significance. Some paintings also have references to other art forms, like nakshi katha and rickshaw painting, to name a few.
Onika's solo art exhibition explores the essence of home
The intimate solo art exhibition "Home" by the promising artist Nasrin Jahan Onika has recently unfolded at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka in Dhanmondi. The inauguration, graced by internationally acclaimed artist Monirul Islam, distinguished art critic Moinuddin Khaled, and art connoisseur and Shasha Denims Limited Director Zareen Mahmud Hosein as special guests, took place on March 1 with great fervour.
EVENT REPORT / Unveiling ‘L’État, C'est Moi’: A journey through French aesthetics and culture
Last week, on February 15, 2024, Alliance Française de Dhaka hosted a book launching event for Dr Mahbubur Rahman’s 'L'État, C'est Moi'
‘Nostalgia Dhanmondi’ journeys through Dhanmondi’s timeless alleys
Dhanmondi has always had a cultural identity of its own – be it the grand two-storeyed family bungalows, the sounds of rehearsals at Chhayanaut, the majestic Eidgah Masjid, or the playfields that kids flocked to. Even with the sprawling high-rise buildings, Dhanmondi, its lake, and its street stalls still maintain its rustic charm.
‘Poetrimage’ of birds, women, and poems
At Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD), a gallery brims with the seamless integration of poetry and paintings, each element complementing the other in a harmonious blend. One can easily get lost in the artistic world that Reza Asad Al Huda Anupam has created for his second solo exhibition “Poetrimage”, the opening of which took place at AFD yesterday.
Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition underway at AFD
A total of 30 artworks are adorning the gallery space of the exhibition, most of which are in the media of etching and aquatint.
‘Choloman Upakhyan’: AFD students capture stories through their camera
“Choloman Upakhyan” consists of photographs of five visual lens based artists. They have chosen different social issues to portray through their own perspectives.
Alliance Française to teach French to students of Glenrich International School (GIS)
GIS signed an agreement with AFD on June 15 at its premises with a view to facilitating mentorship for its students.
The art of expression: Rakibul Anwar's ‘Shonglogno’
"Shonglogno", a solo exhibition featuring the works of Rakibul Anwar was recently displayed at La Galerie, Alliance Francaise, Dhaka. The exhibition was inaugurated on November 18, in the presence of Her Excellency, Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh; eminent artist Professor Dhali Al Mamoon, and artist-critic Mustafa Zaman.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: A chance encounter, and the rest is history
The memoir provides a good primer to Nusrat's life as a musician and the legacy he left.
'Rhythm of Life 2' opens at AFD
Farzana Islam Milky is a sculptor, who sees the human figure in a variety of activities and environments. Her sculptures tell stories of people and their relationships with each other and the environment.
Bimanesh Biswas' exhibit opens at AFD Book on SM Sultan launched
The inaugural ceremony of an exhibition titled “Cosmic Beauty” by Bimanesh Biswas was held at the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD) Gallery on Friday. The programme will run till February 19.