Bangladesh Art Week unveils its 4th edition with public-spirited art
- Last updated: May 5, 2025 | 10:03
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Bangladesh Art Week is currently presenting the 4th edition of its flagship exhibition, Ora Egaro Jon (They Are Eleven People). Inaugurated on April 26, the cultural experience runs till May 25 at Meta Garage, Dubai, celebrating art and social consciousness. The exhibition perhaps has its location in an unexpected art space — a luxury automotive showroom, transformed into a bold artistic platform.
The show is a jubilant commemoration of contemporary Bangladeshi creativity, where tradition, identity and social consciousness, intersect. Curated by Niharika Momtaz and Venus Hosseini, it features a diverse group of artists, who explore concepts of resilience, memory, and cultural heritage.
Focusing on the theme ‘Ora Egaro Jon’, the exhibition marks the spirit of togetherness and collective unity, and pays homage to the collective spirit of Bangladesh’s art territory.
The exhibition promotes unity through contemporary art, with eleven exemplary artist practitioners who work in paint, performance, textiles, and multimedia. Each artist, with their individual voices, strike up a dialogue between the past and present and the personal and political, with their numbers underlining the name of the show.
Niharika Momtaz, the curator of Bangladesh Art Week, is renowned for blending social issues with art and culture. Her curatorial approach emphasises creative engagement and collaborative work within the community; she is a key figure in the regional art world. Venus Hosseini, a curator and performing arts expert of Iranian descent, brings a global perspective to the exhibition. Her extensive work globally, particularly in Germany, has fashioned her multifaceted curatorial approach, intertwining diverse cultures through visual and performing arts.
The exhibition represents twenty four limited editions of optical arts, soft sculptures, photography works of art and 11 NFTs by the eleven artists who are internationally and nationally recognised as modern and contemporary, young and emerging female artists. The innovative blend of diverse creative talent at Bangladesh Art Week sees women unifying various creative endeavours into a remarkable art showcase. Arpita Singha Lopa is an esteemed visual artist from Dhaka, who utilises graphic design and interrogates selfhood and cultural identity through her art.
Azizee Fawmi Khan is a self-employed visual artist; she explores the history and folklore of Bangladesh and its impact on contemporary society and younger generations through drawing and painting. Bubly Barna is an MFA student at Miami University whose artwork examines societal constraints on motherhood. Farah Naz Moon is a visual artist with a diverse portfolio built over 13 years. She has actively participated in numerous international art initiatives and exhibitions.
Farzana Ahmed Urmi explores perception, self-experience and the boundaries of vision in her work. She merges conscious sight with the fleeting sensations following a blink, creating works that challenge conventional aesthetics. Farzana Rahman Bobby is a distinguished visual artist specialising in printmaking. She earned her BFA in 2008 and MFA in 2014 from the Department of Printmaking at the University of Development Alternative, Dhaka. Her artistic journey includes numerous national and international exhibitions.
Hasura Akther Rumky, a BFA and MFA graduate from the Department of Oriental Art, University of Dhaka, creates emotive works centered on human connection, silence, and longing. Mahmuda Siddika is a Bangladesh-based emerging artist whose work delves into self-discovery through life experiences, memories and hidden connections between nature and its inner self. Monidipa Dasgupta is a passionate artist dedicated to reimagining urban life through her work, using intricate details to tell compelling stories. Primarily a graphic designer, she is deeply inspired by nature’s stylistic patterns and indigenous art forms.
Monon Muntaka is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker based in Dhaka. Her work explores social issues, culture, diversity, women and gender, with a strong focus on documenting these themes. Tamanna Liza (b. 1996) is a Dhaka-based multidisciplinary artist whose work centres on socio-political and gender issues. She draws inspiration from her surroundings and uses metaphorical visual storytelling effects, often incorporating organic and found objects.
Through the current programme, Bangladesh Art Week carries on its mission of supporting emerging artists within and outside the framework of conventional institutions. It is a commitment that seeks diverse representation, with a focus on promoting the work of female artists, building an inclusive artistic ecosystem and striving to inspire a new generation of talent. Bangladesh Art Week is also a first of its kind art event. It was conceived by Niharika Momtaz, intending to focus on promoting Bangladeshi art and artists within and outside Bangladesh, her country of origin. Through exhibitions, auctions and educational initiatives, the Week strives to develop a thriving art ecosystem and community.
Metamoina, which was founded by Niharika Momtaz and has mounted the NFTs in the show, is a creative tech platform empowering artists through immersive digital experiences, NFTs, and blockchain innovations. It bridges art, technology and culture - in effect fostering a global community. With an emphasis on storytelling and innovation, Metamoina redefines how art is created, owned and experienced, in the digital age. Meta Garage is one of Dubai’s premium car care destinations for luxury vehicles. Specialising in tuning, detailing, PPF, painting and mechanical services, they offer expert craftsmanship through a personalised approach. Trusted by owners of Rolls Royce, Ferrari and other elite brands, Meta Garage has made a name for delivering quality automotive services with convenience and precision.