Art, heritage and shared cultural memories took centre stage as the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Dhaka, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Dhaka, inaugurated Bridging Horizons: A Visual Dialogue of Nature, Heritage and Innovation on Friday at AFD’s La Galerie.
Organised to mark Singapore’s 61st National Day, the exhibition brings together artists from Singapore and Bangladesh in a visual exchange exploring landscapes, traditions and contemporary ideas, while highlighting the longstanding ties between the two countries.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mitchel Lee, Chargé d’Affaires of the Singapore High Commission, as Chief Guest. Legendary artist Professor Rafiqun Nabi, Professor Emeritus of the University of Dhaka, was the Guest of Honour, while François Chambraud, Director of Alliance Française de Dhaka, attended as Special Guest.
The exhibition is curated by Harun ar Rashid Tutul, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka.
The Bangladeshi artists featured are Rafiqun Nabi, Mohammad Eunus, Jamal Ahmed, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Mostafizul Haque, Sheikh Afzal, Md Muniruzzaman, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Karu Titas, Mohammad Iqbal, Anisuzzaman Anis, Md Azharul Islam Sheikh, Harun ar Rashid Tutul, Sourav Chowdhury, Md Rasel Rana, Nazmun Nahar Pia, Niharika Awhona Barsaat, Tariqul Islam Herok, Anindya Naha Habib, Tulsi Rani Das, Amiya Roy, Md Mahmudul Hasan, Muznabin Ahmed Apon, Nodi Judith Gomes, Shamina Anam and Simanto Dey.
The participating Singaporean artists are Aaron Gan, Andrew Yeo, Goh Beng Kwan, Lee Hock Moh, Low Puay Hua, Nai Swee Leng, Ong Kim Seng, P V Hong Lam, Tan Cheng Cheng, Tan Kian Por, Tang Juey Lee, Tay Bak Koi and Thomas Yeo.
Speaking at the opening, Lee highlighted art’s ability to transcend borders and strengthen connections between people.
He noted that the exhibition reflects the strong people-to-people ties between Singapore and Bangladesh as the two countries prepare to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.
The exhibition features works by 14 renowned Bangladeshi master artists and six emerging artists selected through a national open call, alongside works by Singaporean artists.
The showcase brings established artistic traditions into dialogue with contemporary practices.
According to the organisers, Bridging Horizons goes beyond a conventional art exhibition, offering an expression of cultural diplomacy where artistic perspectives from the two nations meet and find common ground beyond geographical boundaries.
Open to all, the exhibition will remain on display at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, Dhanmondi, until 19 August. It is open daily from 3pm to 9pm.
