Bringing together the diverse worlds of art, architecture, performance and cultural expression, Art Dhaka is set to open its doors to the public on Friday at Aloki in the capital, offering a five-day celebration of creativity and artistic exchange. The fair will welcome visitors daily from 10 am to 10 pm until November 10.
Ahead of its public opening, Art Dhaka hosted a special preview on Thursday, welcoming an impressive gathering of invited guests, including ambassadors of various countries, renowned artists from different creative sectors, cultural and entertainment personalities, business figures, art enthusiasts and collectors.
Founded by Durjoy Rahman, Nahar Khan, Fahd Sattar and Aumia Khundkar, Art Dhaka brings together their experience in art, culture, media and creative industries to establish a platform for artistic expression, cultural exchange and engagement with the wider creative community.
The main art fair features two curated sections: 'The Still Point' on the upper floor, curated by Najmun Nahar Keya, and 'Narration. Thought. Chronicles.' on the ground floor, curated by Zihan Karim. Artworks on display will be available for purchase by visitors and collectors.
Highlighting the distinctive processes and traditions of printmaking, the Print Pavilion, titled 'The Art of Access' and curated by Fareha Zeba, brings together prints and works on paper by artists from different generations, offering visitors an accessible entry point into art collecting.
Beyond the main fair, Art Dhaka features several specially conceived exhibitions and installations. 'Leaping Across Time', curated by Mustafa Zaman, pays tribute to pioneering artists whose practices laid the foundations of modern art in Bangladesh.
The Immersive Art Zone offers new ways of experiencing artistic legacies through images, sound, movement and spatial storytelling, featuring works and visual worlds of major Bangladeshi artists, including Zainul Abedin and SM Sultan. It also presents a specially developed showcase of works from Bangladeshi artist Rokeya Sultana's 'Fata Morgana' series.
The Pavilion, located in the parking area, features an architectural intervention designed by architect Rashed Chowdhury, drawing inspiration from Bengal's architectural heritage and material traditions. Its sustainable construction approach allows materials and components to be dismantled, repurposed and reused after the event, while the space will also accommodate art installations and interactive works.
The Glasshouse will host talks, panel discussions, artist conversations and performative arts, bringing together artists, architects, curators, collectors and cultural practitioners to discuss contemporary art and creative practices.
Shala, the Collector's Lounge, will provide an intimate setting for artists, collectors and invited guests to interact. A curated food outlet will offer traditional Bangladeshi flavours in contemporary formats, while the Art Dhaka Shop in the lobby will feature event merchandise, artist-led products, publications, digital print editions and design objects.
Together, these spaces position Art Dhaka as a broader cultural platform where art can be viewed, experienced, discussed and collected, with architecture, sustainability, performance, food and design forming integral parts of the experience.
