Dhaka:Art enthusiasts in Dhaka gathered at Aloki on Friday for the commencement of Art Dhaka, a five-day art festival showcasing a wide array of artworks, exhibitions, and interactive experiences. The festival aims to highlight discussions on the evolving art scene in the country.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the festival attracted visitors of all ages who explored various sections of the venue. Notable exhibitions included 'The Still Point,' curated by Najmun Nahar Keya, and 'Narration. Thought. Chronicles.,' curated by Zihan Karim. The Pavilion, designed by architect Rashed Chowdhury, and a glasshouse section curated by Mustafa Zaman, displayed works by master artists, drawing significant interest from attendees.
Sales representatives noted that art sales began during a special preview on Thursday and picked up as the festival opened to the public on Friday. The Print Pavilion, 'The Art of Access,' curated by Fareha Zeba, gained particular attention with its diverse collection of prints.
One of the festival's highlights was the 'Make Plate, Take Print' section, where visitors created and printed their own drawings with volunteer assistance, taking home their prints as free souvenirs.
The opening day included a discussion on challenges faced by artists and the need for infrastructure to support evolving art forms. Moderated by Katerina Don, the session featured artists and educators such as Sumon Wahed, Wakilur Rahman, and Faysal Zaman, who emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable art ecosystem in Bangladesh.
Following the discussion, two short films were screened. The festival's Critical Discourse programme will continue with discussions on topics including printmaking, urban cultural life, and the art market, scheduled for the upcoming days.
Art Dhaka, founded by Durjoy Rahman, Nahar Khan, Fahd Sattar, and Aumia Khundkar, provides a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange. The fair will be open daily from 10 am to 10 pm until November 10 at Aloki in Dhaka.