A vibrant convergence of artistic voices unfolded in the capital as the fifth edition of Different Strokes opened on April 17 at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in Dhanmondi, offering a compelling snapshot of Bangladesh’s evolving contemporary art landscape.
The six-day exhibition, running through April 22, brings together a diverse spectrum of creators and practices under one roof.
The opening ceremony was attended by Frank Werner as Chief Guest and Najma Akhter as Guest of Honour, underscoring the exhibition’s cultural significance and its role in fostering dialogue within the country’s art ecosystem.
Curated and convened by artist Alamgir Kabir, Different Strokes assembles a dynamic collective of artists spanning varied generations and backgrounds. Kabir’s curatorial approach emphasises accessibility and experimentation, creating a platform where both formally trained and self-taught artists can engage in meaningful visual discourse.
The exhibition features forty artworks across multiple mediums, reflecting an expansive range of themes and stylistic approaches. From tranquil watercolours depicting nature and rural landscapes to textured oil paintings and expressive figurative studies, the collection offers a layered visual narrative.
Recurring motifs include scenes inspired by the Padma River, boats along ghats, portraits, animals in motion, and explorations of both abstract and figurative forms; each work contributing to a broader dialogue on identity, environment and artistic intuition.
Participating artists include Alamgir Kabir, Bayan Shafique, Farzana Rahman, Mahbuba Begum, Oaniya Tahsin Rahman, Razia Sultana Khan, Tahera Banu (Keya) and Zayn Shafique, each presenting distinct visual languages that collectively underscore the richness of contemporary Bangladeshi art.
Open daily from 2 pm to 8 pm, Different Strokes invites art enthusiasts, collectors and students to immerse themselves in a thoughtful and visually engaging experience, one that captures both the diversity and the dynamism of current artistic practicecontemporaryesh.Different StrokDifferent Strokes at AFD
