United News of Bangladesh

Renowned Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, known for his signature smiling, rainbow-hued flowers, has launched a vibrant and thought-provoking exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art, opening to the public this Sunday. Titled “Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow,” the exhibition is an expanded version of a show previously held in Los Angeles and features over 100 works spanning various media — from paintings and sculptures to collaborations with luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, album art, and even Major League Baseball merchandise. Murakami, whose style often blends playful imagery with deeper socio-historical commentary, said he intentionally pairs cheerful visuals with references to collective trauma, reflecting on how events shape societies. “It might seem like my work is very light and accessible — and that’s intentional,” he told the Associated Press. “It’s one of my tricks.” The exhibit explores themes of cultural memory and resilience. According to Ed Schad, curator at The Broad museum in Los Angeles, the artworks are steeped in historical context and serve as a reflection of societal health and response to trauma. “What society is reacting to most in this exhibition is the idea of trauma,” he noted. Among the standout pieces is Pom and Me, a sculpture depicting Murakami and his dog, half of their bodies rendered in anatomical detail, revealing internal organs and bones. The piece symbolizes the artist’s Western experiences filtered through his Japanese identity. Another installation features a wall of square portraits of cartoon-like flowers, their expressions ranging from joyful to sorrowful — some crying, others zombie-like or stunned as if watching fireworks. Organized by background color to form a rainbow, these images hint at emotional complexity beneath their playful surface. While the works don’t explicitly depict historical events, the museum contextualizes them against three major moments in Japanese history: the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and resulting Fukushima nuclear disaster, and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors to the lower-level gallery first pass through a structure modeled after the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) from Horyuji Temple in Nara, Japan. Inspired by the 2024 TV series Shōgun, this octagonal pavilion houses four recent Murakami paintings: Blue Dragon Kyoto, Vermillion Bird Kyoto, White Tiger Kyoto, and Black Tortoise Kyoto — completed between 2023 and 2025. The ticketed exhibition will remain on view through early September.

A unique cultural event, “Mohurter Mayajal: Photo, Art and Craft Exhibition Season 2,” was held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on Friday, with the participation of over a hundred students. The event took place at the university’s scenic Amtala premises and was organised for the second time by Aesthetic BAU, the university’s creative platform. The exhibition featured a live photo contest, bioscope showings, cultural performances, and a special serving of 1,000 cups of tea, among various other attractions. Students showcased the beauty and emotions of campus life through paintings, handmade crafts, and photographs captured on mobile phones.

A special solo exhibition titled 'Face of Life’ by artist Aminul Islam Ashik is currently ongoing at Zainul Gallery, Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, inaugurated on Monday. The week-long exhibition is featuring over 40 sculptures and drawings, and two video artworks. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was joined by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Dhaka University Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed as the chief guest, while Professor Dr Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University; eminent art maestro Hamiduzzaman Khan; and Britto Art Trust co-founder and artist Mahbubur Rahman were present as the special guests. A special publication on the exhibition, published by ARTCON, was also unveiled at the inauguration ceremony. The publication is designed by ARTCON Founder ARK Reepon. “It is with great pleasure that we celebrate the first solo exhibition of Aminul Islam Ashik, a distinguished alumnus of the Faculty of Fine Arts,” Dr Mamun said at the event. Inaugurating the event and unveiling the publication, he said Aminul's work stands as a testament to his deep engagement with both the sensory and cognitive dimensions of the human experience. “His art reflects an ongoing dialogue with the complexities of human emotion, identity, and the socio-political forces that shape our world; his portrayal of the human face as a symbol of existential transformation is deeply personal and universally relevant, and his sculptures and installations transcend the individual, probing the collective struggles of identity, power, and survival that define our shared humanity,” Dr Mamun said. ‘Keeping Childcare in the Picture’: ILO, BILS launch photo exhibition on childcare in Bangladesh Eminent artist Hamiduzzaman Khan said that one can observe an expansive realm of thought in the works of Ashik. Lauding his student, Khan said: “Ashik was one of my direct students. From the beginning of his academic journey, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft with remarkable skill and diligence.” “His intellectual world, even at that time, was contemporary and modern, I once told him, "One day you will achieve great recognition," and I am proud that his work has garnered national and international praise,” Hamiduzzaman Khan said.

The solo painting exhibition titled ‘Debris’ by Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed has begun at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital’s Dhanmondi on Saturday. Eminent artist Monirul Islam joined the opening ceremony as the chief guest, while Mustafa Zaman, director of the Department of Fine Arts, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), also joined the event as the special guest. The exhibition showcases almost 30 acrylic works on board paper, offering viewers a glimpse into the artist’s latest explorations. Kazi Salahuddin has lived through the 1971 war and, even today, continues to witness devastation in regions such as Syria, Russia, Kashmir, and Myanmar - destruction that is entirely man-made. These tragedies, driven by the pursuit of power and control, have profoundly shaped his worldview; and over the decades, these experiences have left a lasting impression on his artistic journey, influencing both the themes and emotional depth of his work.

A six-day group art exhibition titled ‘Pahar O Paharer Jibon’ (Mountains and Mountain Life) began on Sunday at Safiuddin Shilpalay in the capital’s Dhanmondi area, marking the occasion of Mother’s Day. Now in its ninth edition, the exhibition has been organised by women’s art collective Jolkonna and features the works of 12 women artists. It will remain open to visitors every day until May 16, from 11am to 8pm. Jolkonna is a unique platform for women artists, especially those without formal academic training, who explore and express their creativity through visual storytelling—primarily using watercolour and mixed media. The name combines the Bengali words for ‘water’ (jol) and ‘colour’ (rong), reflecting the collective’s artistic identity and medium. This year’s edition features 33 pieces rendered in watercolour, ink, and other media, highlighting themes of nature, motherhood, and the everyday lives of mountain communities. Art exhibition geared towards children at Alliance Française wins acclaim The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by Professor Farida Zaman, head of the Printmaking Department at Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, and noted actress and filmmaker Chitralekha Guho. Both praised the participating artists for their resilience and dedication, particularly those balancing their creative journeys with motherhood. “I became a mother early in life. Balancing my creative career with motherhood hasn’t been easy. At times, I had to carry my child on set and work went on regardless. But no one truly understands that part of our struggle,” said Chitralekha. Prof Farida shared, “As a mother, I’ve had to move forward from very difficult places. My dream of becoming an artist was nurtured through challenges. I built my studio from scratch while holding my children in my arms.” The opening ceremony also featured poetry recitations by Mahi Farhana and Nishat Jesmin, musical performances by Swapna Barnadette Francis and Mahbuba Sultana, and traditional hill songs sung by Elina Chakma, adding a vibrant cultural layer to the event. Maine's hidden 'Sistine Chapel' inspires artists with 70-year-old frescoes Curated with the assistance of artist Ashok Karmakar, the exhibition is sponsored by City Bank PLC. Participating artists include Suporna Alice Gomes, Azadi Parvin, Sabina Nasrin, Elina Chakma, Tereza Isha Gomes, Flora Urmila, Jacqueline Ria Rozario, Maleka Sultana Nupur, Shama Sultana, Mahi Farhana, Aparna Torpador Mou and Sharifa Mehosa.

The 164th birth anniversary of iconic poet Rabindranath Tagore was celebrated at Dhaka University on Thursday. To mark the Rabindra jayanti a discussion meeting followed by a cultural programme was held at the auditorium of the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, presided over the event while Pro-VC (Admin) Prof. Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro-VC (Education) Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, and Treasurer Prof. Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury spoke at the event as honored guests. Chairperson of the department of Bengali, Prof. Dr. Serajul Islam (Seraj Salekeen), delivered a commemorative lecture titled “Rabindranath and Bangladesh.” In addition, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof. Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Taiabur Rahman participated in the discussion. Prof. Niaz said that the study of Rabindranath is relevant for all times. The more we discuss the thoughts, philosophy, and literary works of the World Poet, the more his relevance will shine. He expressed hope that through such discussions, the new generation will be able to learn about Rabindranath’s life philosophy, thoughts, and literary works. Tagore’s 164th birth anniversary on Thursday

The 164th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore will be observed across the country with various programs organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. This year’s theme is "Rabindranath and Bangladesh". The main three-day celebration will begin  at Rabindra Kuthibari in Shilaidaha, Kushtia, on Monday and continue until May 10(25–27 Boishakh 1432). The event is jointly arranged by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Kushtia district administration. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki will attend the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, while Secretary Md Mofidul Rahman will chair the event. Additional Secretary Md Farhad Siddique will deliver the welcome speech, and Professor Mansur Musa will give the commemorative address. Dr Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah, Vice Chancellor of Islamic University, will attend as special guest. The cultural segment will feature a group dance performance of "Akash bhora surjo tara" by the academy's dancers. Kumar Bishwajit to return to stage after long hiatus Suma Rani Roy and Bulbul Islam will perform a series of Tagore songs including "Ami Kothay Pabo Tare", "Ghorete Bhromor Elo", and "Tumi Kemon Kore Gaan Koro," to name a few of the performances. A separate cultural event titled "Anandojogge amar nimantron" will be held on May 9 at 6:30 pm at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. The program will be chaired by Mohammad Wares Hossain, Secretary and Acting Director General of the Academy, with a welcome speech from Mehjabeen Rahman, Director of the Academy’s Music, Dance, and Recitation department. The event includes performances by dance group Bhavna and renditions of Tagore songs by both senior and emerging artists. The evening will conclude with group dances and songs such as "Aj Dokhin Duar Khola", "O Re O Re Amar", and "Oi Moha Manob Ashe." In addition to Dhaka and Kushtia, celebratory events will be held in all seven divisions. All programs are open to the public.

An art exhibition titled 'Ikrimikri: A World of Picture Books'  at the La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), enamoring young audiences. The inaugural ceremony was held on Friday, May 2. Ikrimikri is a creative platform dedicated to nurturing imagination and learning through picture books. With a strong emphasis on local languages, cultural narratives, and storytelling traditions, Ikrimikri produces beautifully illustrated books and a monthly magazine that capture the dreams, daily lives, and curiosity of children in Bangladesh. The initiative has grown into a vibrant space for visual storytelling, education, and childhood expression. The exhibition showcases illustrations from all the picture books published by Ikrimikri, inviting visitors to explore the artistic journey behind each title. Alongside the exhibit, a series of engaging events will be held from May 3 to 7. These include daily storytelling and story-listening sessions, interactive discussions with artists and publishers, children reading their own stories, and a visual storytelling workshop. The schedule also features a typography workshop for older students, a hands-on book-making session for Grades 5 to 10, and a concluding drama performance titled Fangsang, presented by children from the BotTola theater group on May 7. On Saturday, the first session was a storytelling and story-listening event from 5 to 6 pm, where children read aloud from Ikrimikri books and audience members were encouraged to share their own stories. The second session, from 6 to 7:30 pm, featured an interactive discussion with artists, writers, and publishers. On Sunday, May 4, the day will begin with another storytelling and story-listening session from 4 to 5 pm. From 6 to 7 pm, children and teenagers who enjoy writing will read their own stories during a session conducted by Shanu and Farzana Apu, with their written works also being displayed as part of the exhibition. Additionally, a special visual storytelling workshop titled "From Words to Images" will be held from 4 to 8 pm in Room No 12, conducted by Sabyasachi Mistry. This workshop requires prior registration.

The ‘Rising Stars Concert’, featuring three emerging Russian musicians, was held in Dhaka on Friday night at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital. The classical music evening was jointly organised by the Russian House in Dhaka and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, supported by the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory. The concert showcased performances by Russian artists Stanislav Chernukhin on grand piano, Karina Khovalyg (soprano), and Mikhail Loginov (baritone). At the captivating event, Karina Khovalyg and Mikhail Loginov presented several well-known classical opera pieces from Russia and beyond, delivering vocals that evoked loneliness, grief, and the emotional turmoil of wartime. A highlight of the evening was the performance of the popular wartime song Smuglyanka, with Stanislav Chernukhin’s piano playing creating an atmosphere of romance and melancholy. An ode to Bangla grunge: junkhEäd's maiden track 'Shamprotik' enamors rock aficionados The concert is part of the 'Rising Stars' project by the Russian World Foundation (Russkiy Mir Foundation), initiated in partnership with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory. The project introduces young Russian musical talent to international audiences and promotes cultural diplomacy through concerts and educational events. Earlier, on May 2, the students and graduates of the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory conducted a master class at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Pianist Stanislav Chernukhin shared his insights into performing classical compositions by Frédéric Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach, while vocalists Mikhail Loginov and Karina Khovalyg demonstrated foundational techniques for improving vocal skills. Music enthusiasts of all ages from Dhaka attended the session. The master class revealed numerous hidden talents, inspiring confidence in a promising generation of future performers. The master class, like the concert, is part of the global ‘Rising Stars’ initiative, which highlights the richness of Russian culture, language, and education. Since its inception, the project has gained international acclaim, with performances and masterclasses held worldwide and new tours continually being added. At the beginning of the concert, Pavel Dvoychenkov, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, remarked, “Music transcends borders and strengthens the bond between our two countries. This concert is more than a performance — it is an exchange of cultural heritage.” Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy acting Director General Md Wares Hossain welcomed the audience and emphasized the longstanding cultural ties and friendship between Russia and Bangladesh since the country's independence. The concert is scheduled for a repeat performance on Sunday (May 4), 5 pm, at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi.

Emerging Bangla grunge band junkhEäd has stirred excitement among rock enthusiasts with its debut track 'Shamprotik', a song that has been garnering widespread appreciation for reviving the essence of Bangla grunge genre. Released on April 10 across platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, and Facebook, the song has become a talk of the town among the listeners, and Ahsan Titu, founder of junkhEäd and formerly of renowned bands Black and Indalo, talked to UNB regarding the band's journey. According to Titu, junkhEäd introduces a gritty, emotionally charged sound, heavily inspired by the Seattle grunge movement. Titu takes on a multi-faceted role in the band, managing bass, guitar, vocals, and sound design, and throughout his musical journey, he played Bass with Horoscope, X-Trude, and Aashor, as well. "We — Bipu Ifti (guitars) and myself — had been jamming together for over a decade, composing several tracks influenced by the Seattle grunge scene," Titu told UNB. "Over time, we also ventured into post-rock and alternative rock elements."   Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo began crafting songs together in earnest. They were later joined by longtime friend Newton, who contributed additional guitar work. The trio bonded over their shared passion for grunge, shaping the distinct identity of junkhEäd.   On the meaning behind 'Shamprotik', Titu echoed what was already written in the song description, "This song talks about death."