The Art of Minimalism: Inside Elise’s Studio Environment

Exhibition Dates: October 25-30

Opening: 6:00 PM, October 25

     

Alliance Française de Dhaka is delighted to present “Elise’s Diary Pages,” a captivating painting exhibition by Elise, a talented artist whose journey from childhood doodles to intricate artwork has been nothing short of remarkable.

   

“Elise’s Diary Pages” is a celebration of the interplay between art and science, showcasing the unique perspective of an artist who sees beauty in both the precise world of mathematics and the boundless creativity of visual art.

   

Join us for the opening on October 25 at 6:00 PM to explore Elise’s fascinating world of patterns, equations, and artistic expression.

   

As a child, I started drawing, first on skin with henna, then on paper. To overcome the boredom at school, I had fun covering my diaries with drawings. My choice of an academic career somewhat surprised those close to me: doctor in mathematics, I am an assistant professor in an engineering school called ENSTA-Paris. My research focuses on the development of numerical methods to simulate physical phenomena. In short, when I’m not solving a partial differential equation, everything is an excuse to draw, combining various techniques (pencils, inks, oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, pigments, collages, henna, salt dough …).

 

The link between my two passions? One can see that I like very fine geometric patterns. This link is particularly explicit in the paintings Classroom and Roméo & Juliette – Mathematician Version – which will be exhibited, among others, at the Alliance Française in Dacca.

“Song of Whales” (Short film) and “Song of Jhinuk” (Feature film) are two animation films by Afroza Hossain Sara inspired by the Whale songs. In the exhibition “Two films for Whales”, Afroza and her team presents the thoughts, art and journey of these two films for the audience.

Bibi Tanga & The Selenites: The Fusion of Afro-Bangla Pop Sounds Concert

   

As part of the celebrations for the 65th Anniversary of Alliance Française de Dhaka, we are thrilled to present a unique musical experience—Bibi Tanga & The Selenites: The Fusion of Afro-Bangla Pop Sounds. This extraordinary concert will take place on October 18 and promises to be a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural collaboration and musical innovation.

     

Bibi Tanga, a renowned artist known for his eclectic mix of Afrobeat, funk, and soul, will take the stage alongside two talented Bangladeshi pop artists. This fusion of Afro and Bangla pop sounds will create a one-of-a-kind performance, blending the rich rhythms and melodies of African and Bangladeshi music traditions.

     

This concert is more than just a performance; it is a celebration of the cultural connections that music can forge across continents. By bringing together these diverse sounds, the concert reflects the spirit of Alliance Française de Dhaka—building bridges between cultures and fostering creativity through the universal language of music.

     

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, rhythm, and cultural fusion, as we celebrate 65 years of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.

   

Event Schedule:

🎸🎟17 October 2024 at 6:00 pm (Registration required) * To attend, please register at [email protected] with your Full name, mobile number, and preferred performance date.

🎸🎷 18 October 2024 at 6:30 pm (By Invitation – VIP guest only) 

Book Launching Ceremony: “Folk Melody of Bangladesh”

   

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the much-anticipated book “Folk Melody of Bangladesh,” an anthology of Bangladeshi folk music presented in standard notation. This remarkable work has been meticulously compiled and edited by Mr. Iftekhar Anwar, a renowned researcher specializing in notation, transcription, and phonetics.

     

The book launch is set to be a highlight of the celebrations marking the 65th Anniversary of Alliance Française de Dhaka. As a comprehensive collection of Bangladesh’s rich folk heritage, this anthology is poised to become a milestone in the country’s music industry. By preserving and standardizing these timeless melodies, “Folk Melody of Bangladesh” ensures that the cultural treasures of our nation can be studied, performed, and appreciated by musicians and scholars around the world.

     

Mr. Iftekhar Anwar’s dedication to this project reflects a deep commitment to the preservation and promotion of Bangladesh’s folk music. His work not only captures the essence of these traditional melodies but also makes them accessible to a global audience, bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper understanding of Bangladesh’s musical heritage.

     

A special note of gratitude is extended to Shah Cement, Bangladesh, for their invaluable support in helping Mr. Iftekhar Anwar achieve this ambitious goal. Their contribution has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, ensuring that these cultural treasures are preserved and made accessible to a global audience.

     

Join us in celebrating this monumental achievement, as we honor the rich legacy of Bangladeshi folk music and the enduring contributions of Mr. Iftekhar Anwar to the field. This launch marks a new chapter in the preservation and global appreciation of our cultural heritage, ensuring that these beautiful melodies continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.

Art Film Festival by François Lévy-Kuentz

14-17 October 2024

Alliance Française de Dhaka and Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka

   

In celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Alliance Française de Dhaka, we are honored to present an exclusive Art Film Festival featuring the works of the renowned French filmmaker François Lévy-Kuentz. This special event will take place from 14th to 17th October 2024 at the Alliance Française de Dhaka and the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. François Lévy-Kuentz has dedicated himself to creating monographs on various artists, including Chagall, Pascin, Calder, Mondrian, Dali, and Buñuel, which have garnered accolades at international festivals. A selection of his notable art films will be showcased at Alliance and Dhaka University, accompanied by question-and-answer sessions with him.

François Lévy-Kuentz is acclaimed for his captivating documentaries that explore the lives and works of some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. His films offer deep insights into the world of modern and contemporary art, blending historical narrative with artistic expression to create a unique viewing experience.

     

Festival Highlights:

Exclusive Screenings: A selection of Lévy-Kuentz’s most celebrated films will be screened, including documentaries on iconic figures such as Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Salvador Dalí.

Panel Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking discussions with art historians, filmmakers, and critics on the influence of art in cinema and the legacy of the artists featured in the films.

Interactive Sessions: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions, exploring the intersection of visual arts and filmmaking.

Venue: Screenings and events will be held at the Alliance Française de Dhaka and the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, two centers of artistic and cultural excellence in the heart of Dhaka.

This festival is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of art through the lens of one of France’s most distinguished filmmakers. It is open to all art and film enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage that this festival aims to celebrate.

Join us in marking this significant milestone for the Alliance Française de Dhaka as we honor the timeless connection between art and cinema.

Open to All.

Preface by François Grosjean, Director, Alliance Française de Dhaka

 

Preface by François Grosjean, Director, Alliance Française de Dhaka It is a distinct pleasure and honor to present the second solo exhibition of Masudur Rahman, titled “Journey of Cosmos,” here at Alliance Française de Dhaka. This exhibition is a profound reflection of our commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and artistic expression, which are the cornerstones of our institution’s mission. Masudur Rahman’s journey as an artist is deeply rooted in his exploration of the vastness and emptiness that characterize human consciousness. His works traverse the intricate interplay between form and formlessness, presenting a duality that is intrinsic to life itself. Through “Journey of Cosmos,” Rahman offers us a window into his contemplative and philosophical approach to art, where the cosmic and the earthly converge in a seamless dance of abstraction and embodiment.

 

Rahman’s early forays into poetry and theater were pivotal in shaping his artistic vision. Born in Bakerganj, Barisal, his initial devotion to poetry, under the guiding light of his mother, laid the foundation for his creative journey. The flow of life, with its creation and destruction, akin to the ebb and flow of a river, deeply influenced his understanding and expression of existence. This understanding eventually drew him into the world of painting, where he found a new medium to express his profound thoughts and experiences.

 

His academic pursuit in the Art Department of Dhaka University, where he completed his honors and master’s in oriental art, further honed his skills and deepened his engagement with art. His active involvement in the Chobir Hut movement, a significant initiative by Bangladesh’s Charu artists, highlights his dedication to the arts community. The collaborative efforts with Israt Jahan Kakan at Manabhumi Art Space further enriched his artistic practice, providing a platform for deeper exploration and engagement with art.

Masudur Rahman’s art is a celebration of humanity. He draws inspiration from human expressions, desires, dreams, and tastes, reflecting his deep admiration for people. His full-time dedication to this practice is evident in his works, where he seeks to experience the universe within individuals and depict their journey through the vastness of existence. His art captures the essence of life’s duality, where form and formlessness coexist, embodying the earthly and the cosmic.

 

In Rahman’s own words, “The sense of vastness and space that is always awake in the mind of man gives immense depth to his creation, love, and life. This infinite emptiness is our basic form. I am created from within that void, once in form and once in formlessness. This dual form of shape and formlessness is ‘life,’ and this is how my artwork is an expression of embodiment and abstraction.”

 

At Alliance Française de Dhaka, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community where art and culture thrive. Rahman’s “Journey of Cosmos” is a testament to this commitment, as it invites viewers to engage with art that transcends boundaries and explores the profound interconnectedness of human existence and the universe. His portrayal of nature, where rivers, fields, forests, and horizons merge with human consciousness, offers a unique perspective that resonates deeply with our mission to celebrate artistic innovation and cultural exchange.

 

We are thrilled to host “Journey of Cosmos” at La Galerie and extend our heartfelt congratulations to Masudur Rahman for his exceptional contribution to the arts. This exhibition promises to inspire, provoke thought, and provide a deeper understanding of the vast and intricate nature of our existence. I invite all art enthusiasts, students, professionals, and the general public to immerse themselves in this captivating journey. Welcome to Alliance Française de Dhaka and the “Journey of Cosmos.” May this exhibition deepen your appreciation for the intricate and expansive nature of our existence.

   

Francois Grosjean

Director, Alliance Française de Dhaka