Thursday, April 25, 2024
The much-acclaimed 9th edition of the Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh, the longest-running international art biennale in Asia, ended at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Saturday.
Dedicated to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the theme for the 19th edition of the art biennale was “Home and Displacement.”
The closing ceremony of the flagship event of BSA was joined by Speaker of the National Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury as its chief guest.
Presided over by BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky, the ceremony was also joined by State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, Ministry of Cultural Affairs Secretary Abul Monsur, eminent artists Shahabuddin Ahmed and Monirul Islam as special guests.
Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury said at the ceremony, "Bangladesh is not only the land of natural beauty, but also a land of artists. Aside from enthralling us with their artistic talent, they have actively participated in all of our major movements, including the Liberation War.
“With this successful edition of 19th Asian Art Biennale, I believe Bangladesh will keep moving forward in the world of arts and culture.”
KM Khalid said, “This edition of the Asian Art Biennale was incredibly successful and we received requests to extend the duration of this exhibition; unfortunately, we had to call the conclusion on due time.
“However, we are extremely happy to showcase the heritage of our land and celebrate the rendezvous of different cultures from the participating international artists through this international event.”
Legendary artist Shahbuddin Ahmed said, "I have been living in France for many years but Bangladesh, my motherland, is always in my heart. I have been to many art exhibitions and art biennales of different countries.
“However, I can always explore the wonderful arts and magnificent culture of my home and feel delighted through the Asian Art Biennale by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.”
Calling the event as the second-best biennale in the world after the Venice Biennale, Liaquat Ali Lucky said that the next editions will be organised for two months, to quench the thirst of the art admirers.
This month-long art extravaganza was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 8, showcasing 649 pieces of art created by 493 artists from 114 nations, including 149 Bangladeshi artists.
The exhibition featured two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks such as paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, performance arts, installations and new media arts, crafted and presented by the participating native and foreign artists who channeled their contemporary thoughts through these artworks.
The 19th edition featured a two-day international seminar with the participation of local and foreign artists, art critics, jury and observers.
In addition to the main exhibition at BSA, the Bangladesh National Museum displayed 42 artworks of Bangladeshi legendary master artists from its collection as a part of the art extravaganza.
