Culture defines a nation: US Ambassador
Photo: Agamir Somoy
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen said, "I often say that culture defines a nation. Everyone should take pride in their own culture. I am proud of my American culture.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of a group art exhibition titled 'Persistence,' featuring artworks by 10 Bangladeshi artists, organized by Bhumi Gallery, on Saturday.
Brent T. Christensen said, "I know that the artists in this gallery, and the dancers whose performances we saw tonight, are all extremely proud of Bangladeshi culture. Because it is through art, dance, music, food, and literature that we express our culture and share it with one another."
The Ambassador said, "Through the artworks exhibited here today, we see the manifestation of Bangladeshi culture in various forms. Some are realistic, some are impressionistic, and some are surrealistic. But every piece tells a story about Bangladesh and its culture."
Brent T. Christensen also noted that another great aspect of art is that it serves as an excellent medium for building connections between different cultures. Many of the artists here have had opportunities to study and collaborate abroad—in places like Japan, Europe, and most importantly, the United States. They have brought back new ideas from there, blended those cultures with their own, and through their art, have portrayed the story of Bangladesh in a new way.
In his welcome speech, Saifur Rahman Lenin, founder and CEO of Bhumi Gallery, said that Bhumi Gallery is not just an exhibition center but is working to do something positive for Bangladesh's artist community. Alongside exhibitions, the gallery has been carrying out various activities involving everyone—from children to emerging, young, and senior artists—and will continue to do so in the future.
The group art exhibition 'Persistence' began at Bhumi Gallery's Centerpoint with a series of performances by the dance troupe Nrityadal Bahar.
Special guests present at the event included painter Monirul Islam, poet-writer and Managing Director & CEO of City Bank PLC Masrur Arefin, and Chairman & Managing Director of United Group Moinuddin Hasan Rashid.
Artists, art critics, art enthusiasts, and prominent figures from the cultural arena attended the event.
The 'Persistence' exhibition features a total of 66 artworks, including canvas, mixed media, and watercolor pieces by 10 Bangladeshi artists. The participating artists are Tarun Ghosh, Farida Zaman, Mohammad Yunus, Jamal Ahmed, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Rokeya Sultana, Konkachapa Chakma, Mohammad Iqbal, Shahid Kazi, and Abdullah Al Bashir.
Starting from Saturday, the exhibition will run until next July 25. It will remain open to the public every day from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
