The 66th solo exhibition of Bangladesh’s eminent photographer Nasir Ali Mamun will open on Friday, April 3, at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), presenting a compelling visual tribute to two of Bangladesh’s most influential poets, Shamsur Rahman and Al Mahmud.
Titled Photoseum: Life of Poetree, the exhibition will be held at La Galerie of the cultural centre and will continue until April 16. Marking the bicentenary of photography, the showcase brings together a curated selection of iconic black-and-white portraits alongside rare archival materials documenting the lives and legacies of the two literary giants.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to be attended by prominent figures, including Daily Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, distinguished artist Monirul Islam, and BKash CEO Kamal Quadir.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Nasir Ali Mamun has documented many of the country’s leading cultural figures, building an extensive visual archive of Bangladesh’s intellectual heritage. This exhibition pays homage to Shamsur Rahman, a central figure in modern Bangladeshi poetry known for his urban sensibility and humanist voice, and Al Mahmud, whose work is deeply rooted in rural life, folklore, and spiritual traditions.
Through Mamun’s lens, the poets are portrayed not only as literary icons but as complex individuals. His portraits of Shamsur Rahman evoke a sense of quiet introspection, with subtle lighting enhancing the poet’s contemplative presence. In contrast, his images of Al Mahmud reveal a layered emotional depth, reflecting experience, dignity, and moments of solitude.
A major highlight of the exhibition is the rare visual documentation of a historic meeting between the two poets, who had long remained estranged due to ideological differences. On May 31, 2004, following Mamun’s persistent efforts, they met at Rahman’s residence in Dhaka’s Shyamoli.
During the encounter, Mamun conducted an interview while capturing a series of photographs. The moment, later published in Prothom Alo, is now presented through photographs and video materials, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a significant literary reconciliation.
The exhibition features around 60 photographs along with previously unpublished video footage. The emphasis on black-and-white portraiture underscores Mamun’s signature style, where the interplay of light and shadow, minimalist composition, and intimate framing allow viewers to engage closely with the subjects’ inner lives.
Born on July 1, 1953, in Dhaka, Nasir Ali Mamun is widely regarded as the pioneer of portrait photography in Bangladesh and is often described as the “Poet of the camera.” He has held 65 solo exhibitions worldwide and authored 20 books. His career includes serving as photo editor at Prothom Alo and as personal photographer to Nobel Laureate and former Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Among his many accolades are the Shilpakala Padak (2018), Bangla Academy Honorary Fellowship (2022), and the Ekushey Padak (2025) for his lifetime contribution to photography. He is currently working to establish PHOTOSEUM, a dedicated museum aimed at preserving Bangladesh’s photographic heritage for future generations.
