Galleri Kaya celebrates 18th anniversary through art exhibition

Like every human experience that is a reflection of life, art speaks volumes on human resilience and fortitude. The history of art and crafts dates back tens of thousands of years, and represent some of the first signs of human civilisation. The saga of arts in the area now comprising Bangladesh is also a long cherished one, and speaking of the last 50 years or so, the growth of art and crafts in this independent nation has been in leaps and bounds.

For the last 18 years, one institution that has witnessed and helped create the surge in the art market has been the most familiar name of the local art scene, Galleri Kaya. Founded by artist Goutam Chakraborty, the reputed gallery celebrates its 18th founding anniversary through an exhibition at its Uttara premises beginning Friday, 17 June 2022. The highly anticipated event is set to highlight the works of some 35 modern and contemporary artists.

Over the near two decades of operation, Galleri Kaya has not only dealt in paintings, drawings and sculptures, but also worked in the promotion of Bangladeshi art. It has nurtured the creative spirit amongst artists through arranging art camps in locations within Bangladesh, and across serene locations in Bhutan and Thailand, to name but two.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made irreparable losses in our lives, but it has also taught us the very important lesson that life bounces back, despite all odds, human beings have the indomitable courage to get back to where it was.

Amidst the gloomy days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when life took a back seat not to mention the appreciation of the arts, Galleri Kaya was steady in its promise to promote the arts and arranged online exhibitions and other events to keep the momentum going.

Maintaining all health protocols, in the last two years, Galleri Kaya played host to art camps within the city of Dhaka that explored life and surroundings of this bustling metropolis of ours. A creative camp took place at the scenic setting of Lalakhal, Sylhet.

Bangladeshi art has not quite succeeded in breaking the border and burst into the global, or even the regional scene. It is believed that with combined effort by all concerned, public and private, Bangladesh art can reach the long-cherished height it deserves in the international art scene.