Solo Art Exhibition 'River Script’ Begins at Dhaka Gallery, Banani

Nodilipi a solo exhibition of Rashed Khan began at Solo Art Exhibition - River Script- Begins at Dhaka Gallery, Bananion Thursday 5 November 2026.

A solo art exhibition titled “River Script | নদীলিপি”, depicting the subconscious connection between rivers and human life, memories, and deep emotions by multidisciplinary artist Rashid Khan, has commenced in the capital. Today, Thursday (November 5, 2026), at 3:00 PM, the exhibition was declared open at Dhaka Gallery (House 44, Road 12, Block E, Banani, Dhaka) through the natural presence of art lovers and visitors, without any traditional ribbon-cutting or formal ceremonial constraints. The exhibition will remain open to all daily from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM until November 15.

On Wednesday afternoon, prior to the official opening, a special preview evening was organized at the gallery. Upon entering, visitors encountered a surreal visual atmosphere—a massive copper-colored net suspended from the ceiling, through which canvas depicting wavy turquoise waters could be seen, alongside black-and-white strokes depicting the expanse of a turbulent river. Traditional bamboo fishing gear, words alongside small images on handmade paper, and paintings rendered in shades of blue, yellow, and earthy river silt immersed the audience into a different realm of rivers.

Notably, a distinguished gathering of prominent personalities, artists, and art enthusiasts marked both the preview evening on the first day and today’s official opening. Present among the attendees were Dr. A. H. M. Mustafizur Rahman (Former Professor and Former Chairman of the Department of Soil, Water & Environment at Dhaka University, and recipient of the French Government's 'Order of Merit'), musician Pilu Khan, Bappa Mazumder, artist Mohammad Moniruzzaman, actress Sohana Saba, Samia Afrin, internationally acclaimed photojournalist Kakoli Pradhan (Editor of Ikri Mikri children's magazine), poet Alfred Khokon, Sangeeta Khan, Faisal Roddy, Aishwarya Roddy, filmmaker A B M Nazmul Huda, architect Ishtiaque Zahir Titas, Mominul Islam, Sabbir Rahman Tanim, and producer Hafizuddin Munna, among many others.

The special highlight of today's opening day was the evening interactive session 'Nodi Alap' (River Conversations). At the beginning of the session, eminent academic Dr. A. H. M. Mustafizur Rahman shared insights from his extensive research on rivers. He eloquently highlighted the profound human connection with rivers, explaining how regional cultures, artistic creations, and human civilizations evolved across various river basins. His research-driven insights deeply moved the audience, offering them fresh perspectives on the intricate relationship between rivers, nature, and human existence. Following his talk, renowned photojournalist Kakoli Pradhan—who has worked extensively on river photography—joined the session to share her stories and experiences surrounded by rivers.

Expressing his impression of the artworks, painter Mohammad Moniruzzaman remarked, "In one word, the exhibition is brilliant. Rashid has been practicing for a long time, and his strength and skill are evident in these works. The title River Script is deeply meaningful, and there is immense novelty in the presentation." Sharing her experience, actress Sohana Saba said, "I have always loved Rashid's art. From that place, I truly connected with the central theme. Ours is a riverine country; hearing about rain, rivers, or soil naturally evokes a sense of comfort within us. Stepping into the exhibition felt like walking right inside a river."

According to the exhibition catalog and the artist's personal statement, this exhibition is not merely a depiction of visible water bodies, but a deep exploration of the river flowing within human consciousness. Sharing his artistic philosophy and childhood memories, artist Rashid Khan stated: "In one way or another, rivers are intertwined with almost all of our lives—in childhood, adolescence, memory, or daily livelihood alongside river settlements. During my childhood, the two-hour boat journey across the Panguchi river while traveling between my grandparents' homes left an indelible mark on my memory—the river current under daylight, its beauty under the full moon, and the distant settlements. River is not just flowing water; looking beyond the visible river, it represents a timeless grammar of human existence, memory, culture, and passing time. In my canvas, I didn't want to merely draw a river; using the river as a LENS, I sought to reflect how it stands as a silent witness to human consciousness." Emphasizing the need for institutional support, Rashid Khan added that public and private institutions must expand support for art initiatives, noting that international-standard galleries and sponsorships will accelerate the potential of our art scene.

The curatorial exploration, text, and structure of the entire event are led by artist and art writer Javed Jalil (JJ), who describes the exhibition as 'The Analog Dreamer' and a space of exchange between the painter and the river. In his curatorial notes, Javed Jalil stated: "The river made this land a land of rivers—an architect of human habitat. In this exhibition, through the fusion of images and words, we sought to create a junction of exchange where the river meets us and we meet the river. Rashid's canvas transforms lines, pigment layers, and physical pulsation directly into sensibility. Here, paintings and my written words stimulate each other across mediums to unfold a new sensation. It is not just viewing art, but confronting our inner silence and questions along the river's continuous flow."

The exhibition will remain open to all daily from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Alongside the exhibition, special evening interactive sessions will be held continuously every evening at 7:00 PM. The upcoming schedule includes: 'Nodi Gaan' (River Songs) tomorrow Friday (Nov 6), 'Nodi Sahitto' (River Literature) on Saturday (Nov 7), 'Nodi Kotha' on Sunday (Nov 8), 'Nodi Sur' on Monday (Nov 9), special art workshop 'Art in Everyday Life' conducted by Javed Jalil at 3:00 PM followed by 'Nodi Path' in the evening on Tuesday (Nov 10), 'Nodi Kotha' on Wednesday (Nov 11), 'Nodi Golpo' on Thursday (Nov 12), 'Nodi Sur' on Friday (Nov 13), 'Nodi Path' on Saturday (Nov 14), and the concluding session 'Nodi Lipi' on Sunday (Nov 15). – Press release