Artists from out of Asia are in Asian art exhibition

Mohammad Riead Hasan and Wadrib Ahmed Ananta

Though its name is Asian art biennale, for the very first time artist from out of Asia came to this art exhibition.
Ministry board of Culture presented monthlong 17^th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh has started from 1 December in Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Picture Gallery aiming to combine the arts and culture around the world.
According to Md. Muniruzzaman, director of Fine Arts of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy , the art exhibition is a great attraction to the culture lover of our country.

Artwork on plastic materials, Photo: Mezbah Ul Islam

"It’s a tough job to continue an art biennale in a developing countries like ours. There are a lot of country which couldn’t continue their exhibition continuously.  But we are doing this for the 17^th time. The reason behind this, we are culturally rich," said Muniruzzaman.

For the first time the organizer invited artists from out of Asia. Previously artists from Asia were took part in this art exhibition. But this time artists from out of Asia also joined to participate.

“We invited artists from out of Asia for the first time. Because we want to connect the culture with one another. And we are looking forward to arrange it internationally in future,” he added.

The main aim of this art exhibition is to make relation between the artists from different countries.

"If we can’t make combination with culture then freedom of humanity will not come. There are a lot of countries which are economically rich but not cultured. But there are a few countries which are cultured. Because they did revolution of culture and renaissance. Without revolution, a nation can be developed but not cultured," he also added.

Artists are finding so many opportunities after joining the exhibition. They are sharing their thoughts regarding arts with each other. And they are knowing about the culture and arts of different countries.

“The exhibition will help the artists to make relation with foreign artists. They will know about their works, they will know each other and they can discuss about their works. And these will be our achievement. We are no longer bounded within the four walls," said Muniruzzaman.

 A sculpture defining freedom from restriction. Photo: Mezbah Ul Islam

 ‘I am finding so many opportunities coming there. And I am honoured with an award for my sculpture artwork. This is inspiring me to do more work in future. And I met many foreign artists. I talked with them. After talking to them I realize my situation as an artist,’ said Shayamol Chandra Sarker, an award winner of this art exhibition.

According to K H M Salehin, a student of University of Dhaka, arts quench the thirst of soul,

"I have come here to gain detailed knowledge on arts. As I am an arts student, definitely it is an ideal exhibition for me to join. Because arts quench the thirst of soul. And I am gaining knowledge regarding arts," said Salehin.

Students of arts department are lucky because they can join in exhibition like this as it is opening a door for them to get attention.

“In Bangladesh this type of art exhibition is happening. So we are lucky. And we want more art exhibition like this to get the attention,” he added.

The visitors are realizing the difference between the foreign artists and local artists of this country.

“The artwork of artists of our countries seem almost same. But the artwork of foreign artist are unique,” said Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan, a visitor of this exhibiton.

There are enough security in this exhibition. Almost 100 of polices are ensuring the security of the visitors.

"We are ensuring the security of the visitors. Though it gets tougher in weekends. Because people from here and there come and visit the art exhibition venue," said Md Abdul Karim, a security guard.

55 countries are participating in this exhibition. This is an open exhibition for mass people started from 11 am to 8 pm. 9 artists are awarded as best artist.