Reach out to more people through art: Doraiswami

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram K Doraiswami on Saturday laid emphasis on increased collaboration between Bangladeshi and Indian young artists to put together new ideas of art and reach out to more people through art.

"I think through art, we hope to be able to reach out to much more people," the High Commissioner said highly appreciating the artworks of Bangladeshi artists.

Vikram Doraiswami, accompanied by his wife Sangeeta Doraiswami, made the remarks while visiting the ongoing two-month long group art exhibition titled "Sheikh Hasina: On the Right Side of History" featuring 21 artists at Cosmos Centre in the city. 

Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group Masud Jamil Khan was, among others, present.

The High Commissioner said Bangladesh is "uniquely talented" as the quality of arts that they see in Bangladesh are truly a spectacle.

"This is the best time to celebrate our art. I think this is an important moment for us to celebrate art," he said adding that Bangladesh is in a wonderful historical juncture today and is set to celebrate 50 years of its Independence, 50 years of friendship between Bangladesh and India in 2021; and ongoing celebrations of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The High Commissioner, impressed by the 'wonderful art gallery', said the centrality of arts is in the shared and historical experience of Bangladesh and India.

He said art is the most fundamental expression by which they not only assert identities but also maintain history, culture and narrative.

Sharing how the two countries can celebrate, Doraiswami said they are open to having a mutual exchange of art and will be happy to have a partnership with Gallery Cosmos in organising art exhibition and art camps. "What we need is ideas. There should be regular programmes of art."

The High Commissioner said he is keen to bring Indian artists to Bangladesh and want to do more on this front. "We can do more in the future."

He said the partnership with Bangladesh is eternal because it has to be eternal and there is no other choice except to build on the partnership more and more going forward.

Masud Khan said Gallery Cosmos believes that people need arts and arts need people. "I think you will all agree that each and every art piece here is unique and special in its own way."

He said art may not be essential in day-to-day living but in the long run, it will be very important for the survival of society and culture.

Masud Khan said India is a trusted friend of Bangladesh and the partnership between the two countries is making a significant contribution towards making peace and progress in the region.

He said the exhibition is part of the year-long programme to celebrate the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Gallery Cosmos in collaboration with the Cosmos Atelier71 recently hosted an art camp supported by the Cosmos Foundation on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu.

Artists Alakesh Ghosh, Ahmed Shamshuddoha, Sheikh Afzal, Nasir Ali Mamun, Bishwajit Goswami, Ratneshwar Shutradhar, Rasel Kanti, Monjur Rashid, Sourav Chowdhury, Maneek Bonik, Jayanta Sarkar, Azmol Hossain, Fida Hossain, Amit Nandi, Didarul Limon, Tamanna Afroz, Fahim Chowdhury, Miskatul Abir, Proshun Halder, Hasura Akter Rumky and Surovi Akter had participated in the camp. The artworks produced at the camp are being showcased at the exhibition. 

The exhibition will remain open till February 12, 2021, at Cosmos Centre and it can only receive 20 visitors at any one time.

Visitors have been advised to wear masks all the time while visiting the exhibition and maintain an appropriate distance from each other.

The Indian High Commissioner visited different sections of Cosmos Group at Cosmos Centre,  including UNB newsroom.