INTO MY LUNGS
A Research-Based Interactive Artistic Project on the Textile & Spinning Industry of Bangladesh
Producer & Curator: Fouzia Mahin Choudhury
Date: April 18–30, 2025
Venue: La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka
Address: 26, Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Opening Ceremony: April 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM
Exhibition Overview:
“If something is cheap, somebody else is paying.”
Bangladesh’s textile and spinning industry is integral to the global fast fashion supply chain but often ignored compared to the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The exhibition “Into My Lungs” sheds light on the unseen struggles of textile workers who face life-threatening health hazards, including byssinosis, caused by prolonged exposure to cotton dust.
This initiative, led by artists Ayman Alazraq and Emanuel Svedin, with Dhaka-based producer Fouzia Mahin Choudhury, documents the untold stories of these workers through an immersive artistic and journalistic exploration. Combining film, installations, and interactive sessions, the exhibition emphasizes the need for collective awareness and advocacy to improve the lives of textile workers locally and globally.
Key Exhibition Elements:
1. The Film
- A long-form documentary that captures the realities of the textile industry in Bangladesh through workers’ voices, medical insights, and activist perspectives.
- Screening for invited guests during the opening, followed by scheduled public showings.
2. Interactive Session
- A live interview with the producer and artists, followed by a discussion/Q&A session to engage the audience.
3. The Book
- “Into My Lungs,” a compilation of interviews, research findings, and reflections on the project’s journey.
4. The Installation
- Artistic installations featuring photographs, video clips, and sculptures created from research materials and cotton waste (lint).
5. Audio-Visual Interview
- A recorded presentation of the artists’ and producer’s insights into the project’s vision and development.
Why This Exhibition Matters
“Into My Lungs” is the first research-based artistic project focusing on the textile and spinning sector in Bangladesh. The exhibition aims to:
- Highlight the occupational hazards faced by textile workers.
- Bridge the gap between global fast fashion consumers and the workers behind the industry.
- Spark local and global conversations to advocate for safer working conditions and fair compensation.
Join Us This interactive exhibition invites everyone to experience the untold stories of textile workers and engage in meaningful dialogue to envision a fairer future for the industry. Let us explore, learn, and act together.
Nalini / নলিনী
𝔸 ℝ𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕪 𝕆𝕦𝕥𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝔼𝕩𝕙𝕚𝕓𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕓𝕪 𝕁𝕦𝕝𝕚𝕒 𝕃𝕖𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕠 𝕊𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕣𝕒
Alliance Française de Dhaka, in collaboration with Villa Swagatam and Brihatta Art Foundation, invites you to নলিনী / Nalini, a compelling exhibition by Villa Swagatam laureate artist Julia Lebrao Sendra.
𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:
📅 Dates: January 21–27, 2025
📍 Venue: La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka
👉 Address: 26, Mirpur Road (Corner of Road no. 3), Dhanmondi, Dhaka
⏰ Opening Ceremony: January 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM
🕒 Visiting Hours: 3:00 PM–9:00 PM (throughout the week)
Entry: Open to all
Nalini / নলিনী is the culmination of Julia Lebrao Sendra’s 3-month residency program at Brihatta Art Foundation, where she delved into the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Bangladesh. This exhibition presents an immersive exploration of themes inspired by local art forms, crafts, and cultural narratives, merging them with her distinctive creative perspective.
About Villa Swagatam:
Villa Swagatam is an innovative network of residencies fostering vibrant cultural exchanges between France, India, and the South Asia region. It emphasizes long-term, meaningful collaborations in diverse artistic disciplines, with a focus on literature and arts and crafts. The program bridges French and South Asian creators, fostering shared artistic traditions and cross-cultural dialogue.
Join us to celebrate this remarkable fusion of artistry and cultural exchange that transcends borders and traditions.
Let নলিনী / Nalini inspire and enrich your appreciation of global art and creativity.
The Metaphorical Representation of the Intricate Nature of Human Life and Celestial Bodies
A Solo Print Exhibition by Kamruzzaman Sagar
Alliance Française de Dhaka is proud to host “The Metaphorical Representation of the Intricate Nature of Human and Celestial Bodies”, a captivating solo print exhibition by acclaimed artist Kamruzzaman Sagar. This exhibition delves into the profound connections between humanity and the cosmos, exploring the intricate interplay of forms, energies, and emotions through thought-provoking visual narratives.
Exhibition Details:
📅 Dates: January 31, 2025, to February 07, 2025
📍 Venue: La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka
📍 Address: 26, Mirpur Road (Corner of Road no. 3), Dhanmondi, Dhaka
⏰ Opening Ceremony: January 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM
🔖 Entry: Open to all
Kamruzzaman Sagar’s prints reveal a metaphorical exploration of the parallels between human existence and celestial phenomena, combining intricate techniques with profound philosophical undertones. This exhibition invites viewers to ponder the complex relationships that bind us to the universe and each other.
Join us for the opening ceremony and experience an inspiring artistic journey through the lens of one of Bangladesh’s most innovative printmakers.
We look forward to welcoming you to this extraordinary exhibition!
The Handmakers and Gaaner Kuli
The Handmakers and Gaaner Kuli
By Ramona Poenaru and Gaël Chaillat
Compagnie Des Châteaux en l’air, France
Alliance Française de Dhaka invites you to an exclusive presentation of two compelling video installations, The Handmakers and Gaaner Kuli, created by acclaimed French artists Ramona Poenaru and Gaël Chaillat of Compagnie Des Châteaux en l’air. These innovative works are the result of a unique intercultural artistic exchange cultivated during four residencies in Dhaka since 2023.
Event Details:
Venue: Alliance Française de Dhaka, Gulshan Center;
Address: House 08, Road 07, Gulshan 1
Dates: January 10, 2025
Opening Hours: 17h30
Entry: Open to all
The Handmakers (2025) A reflection on craftsmanship, cultural identity, and human connection, The Handmakers was brought to life during the duo’s latest residency in Dhaka. This project was supported by the Institut Français MIRA (Mobilité Internationale de Recherche Artistique) programme, underscoring the profound importance of cross-cultural artistic research and collaboration.
Gaaner Kuli (2024) This poetic installation is the fruit of a creative partnership with Dhaka’s vibrant artistic community. Collaborators include Apon Biswas, Jaed Malek, Anonno, Pinaki Nath, Rushmila Hossain Rashpi, Saif Alam Nabil, and Shoaib Hossain Bappy from the Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, bringing together voices and perspectives from diverse disciplines.
Original Music Both installations are enriched with evocative compositions by Étienne Haan, adding depth and resonance to these visual narratives. Join us to celebrate the artistic dialogue between France and Bangladesh and explore how shared human experiences are reflected through the lens of art and storytelling.
Note: Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
We look forward to welcoming you to this celebration of creativity and cross-cultural connection!
Dhaka International Film Festival
23rd Dhaka International Film Festival, 2025
| Organizer: Rainbow Film Society |
| Venue: Alliance Française de Dhaka |
| Address: 26 Mirpur Road (Corner of Road No. 3), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205 |
Screening Schedule |
| 12/01/2025 – Sunday |
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| 13/01/2025 – Monday |
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| 14/01/2025 – Tuesday |
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| 15/01/2025 – Wednesday |
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| 16/01/2025 – Thursday |
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| 17/01/2025 – Friday |
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| 18/01/2025 – Saturday |
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Additional Details |
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Geet and Ghazal Evening
Musical Evening: “Geet and Ghazal Evening” 🎶
Alliance Française de Dhaka invites you to a captivating evening of Ghazal and classic music, featuring the remarkable talents of Manzurul Islam and Pryanka Gope. Experience the heartfelt melodies and poetic charm of this unique genre, performed by two of the most gifted voices in the musical world.
This event is open to all, but seating is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
📅 Mark your calendar and join us for a soulful journey through the world of “Geet and Ghazal”!
Date & Time: Friday, December 20, 2024, at 6:30 PM
Venue: La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka
Address: 26 Mirpur Road, Adjacent to Road-03, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Artists: Manzurul Islam and Pryanka Gope
Media Partner: ATN Bangla