Nasir Ali Mamun’s 66th Solo Exhibition Opens at Alliance Française, Dhaka

Nasir Al-Mamun Photoseum

Alliance Française de Dhaka presents the 66th solo exhibition of renowned photographer Nasir Ali Mamun, titled Photoseum: Life of Poetree, opening on 3 April 2026 at La Galerie and continuing through 16 April 2026. The exhibition features an exceptional collection of black-and-white iconic portraits and archival materials dedicated to two of Bangladesh’s most influential poets, Shamsur Rahman (1929-2006) and Al Mahmud (1936-2019). This exhibition is dedicated to the bicentenary of photography.

The exhibition’s opening ceremony was graced by esteemed guests; Matiur Rahman, Editor and Publisher of Prothom Alo, H.E. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh and distinguished artist Monirul Islam. 

Over the decades, Mamun has documented many of the country’s leading cultural figures. His portraits are considered invaluable visual archives of Bangladesh’s intellectual heritage. The exhibition pays tribute to Shamsur Rahman, a central figure in modern Bangladeshi poetry, and Al Mahmud, one of the most distinctive poetic voices rooted in the cultural and rural landscape of Bengal. Rahman’s poetry reflects urban sensibility, existential concerns, and a strong commitment to humanism, freedom, and resistance against oppression. In contrast, Al Mahmud’s work draws deeply from rural life, folklore, and spiritual traditions, blending modernist techniques with indigenous themes to create a uniquely Bengali poetic expression.

Through Mamun’s lens, these two towering literary figures are presented not only as poets but as complex human beings. His portraits of Shamsur Rahman often capture a quiet intellectual solitude, with subtle lighting creating a contemplative atmosphere that reflects the poet’s moral depth and introspection. In contrast, his images of Al Mahmud reveal a more textured emotional landscape—marked by experience, contemplation, and a sense of both dignity and isolation.

A highlight of the exhibition is the rare visual documentation of a historic meeting between the two poets, who had long remained estranged due to ideological differences. On 31 May 2004, after persistent efforts by Mamun, they met at Rahman’s residence in Shyamoli, Dhaka. During this encounter, Mamun conducted an interview while simultaneously capturing a series of photographs. This significant moment, later published in Prothom Alo, is presented in the exhibition through photographs and video materials, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a historic literary reconciliation.

The exhibition showcases approximately 60 photographs and unpublished videos, emphasizing the timeless quality of black-and-white portraiture. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with intimate framing and minimal backgrounds, allows viewers to engage deeply with the presence, personality, and inner lives of the poets.

More than a photographic display, Photoseum: Life of Poetree creates a dialogue between literature and visual art. It invites audiences to connect with two iconic literary figures not only through their words but through their expressions, silences, and humanity.

About the Artist: Born on July 1, 1953, in Dhaka, Nasir Ali Mamun is widely regarded as the father of portrait photography in Bangladesh and celebrated as the “poet of the camera.” Over five decades, he has captured the essence of artists, writers, thinkers, politicians, and cultural icons through his iconic black-and-white portraits, creating a visual archive of national and international significance. Mamun has held 65 solo exhibitions worldwide and authored 20 books, amplifying the voices of Bangladesh’s creative and intellectual spheres. His work as Photo Editor at Daily Prothom Alo and as personal photographer of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has further cemented his influence. Among numerous honors, he has received the Shilpakala Padak (2018), Bangla Academy Honorary Fellowship (2022), and the prestigious Ekushe Padak (2025) for lifetime contribution to photography. He is currently devoted to establishing PHOTOSEUM, a dedicated museum of photography that will preserve and celebrate the nation’s visual history for generations to come. His vision for PHOTOSEUM reflects his lifelong commitment—not only to his craft—but to ensuring photography’s rightful place in Bangladesh’s cultural memory.

Exhibition Details:

Title: Photoseum: Life of Poetree

Artist: Nasir Ali Mamun

Dates: 3–16 April 2026

Venue: La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka

Address: 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka