An exhibition of prints will be open 19 November at AFD

An exhibit of the exhibition of prints that will begin at Alliance Francaise on Nov 19

Prof. Dr  Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean, Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka will attend the event as the chief guest while Prof. Md. Anisuzzaman, Department of Printmaking, University of Dhaka and  Asmita Alam Shammy, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Department of Printmaking, University of Dhaka will attend the opening ceremony as the special guests. 

In this exhibition, prints developed through a collaborative workshop guided by Julia Lebrao Sendra, Assistant Professor, ENSAV La Cambre – Belgium reveal the intricate significance of the Buriganga River, Dhaka's vital yet vulnerable emblem.

By intertwining diverse printmaking techniques — woodcut, lithography, and etching — the students have crafted images that not only blur but deepen the initial perceptions, inviting you to immerse yourself in their rich textures and vibrant colours.

How does one capture the essence of a river that lacks a face? Yet, this river possesses countless visages; it embodies myths, conjures memories, and reflects the lives of those who inhabit its banks. It symbolises the identity of a city, a capital, a nation that has lost its ability to love itself.

This artistic endeavour transcends mere visual representation; it seeks to ignite a dialogue about coexistence, resilience, and the void of loss. Each student’s piece starkly illustrates the collective impotence — how we have looked the other way as regrets pile up and connections crumble.

The workshop endeavoured to forge a fluid portrayal of a dynamic territory spanning physical and symbolic realms. Grounded in the Deleuzian philosophy of surface, it reminds us that meaning does not derive from hidden depths but arises from the striking interplay of singularities resonating on the surface. This is the essence of life: A portrait that embraces open, dynamic relationships, welcoming the indeterminacy of existence. Water is, at its core, never just water.

Through the complexity of each image and its vivid colours, the artwork emanates a poignant cry for awareness—silent yet powerful, reminiscent of the river itself. It invites us to share in its narrative, feel, understand, and consider the transformative possibilities ahead. The exhibition will remain open to all, daily from 3 pm to 9 pm

The participants are Abu Al Naeem , Anika Tabassum Hridi, Derril Audri Roy, Diponkor Biswas,, Fahim Khan Tameem, Jahra Najifa, Miftahul Zannat Naberi, Mst. Shanta Islam, Pinak Chandra Das  , Progga Mithelda Corraya, Prosenjit Bhadra, Qazi Orchi Rahman, Riturupa Talukder Sathi, S.M Washif Uddin Chowdhury, Sahadeb Biswas, Saheb Chowdhury, Shimul Paul, Sparshopriyo Barshon Roy, Subrato Chandraw, Sumaiya Binte Hasan, Suvra Sarkar, Tajriba Akter and Towhid Ahmed Sakib. Additional instructional support was provided by Abdullah Al Bashir, Lecturer, Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. – Press release