Uphold humanity, promote good sense to meet demand of time
"We believe in open window policy. We'll have to be familiar and maintain contact and relation with the practice of arts, intellectual progression and evolution of thoughts in contemporary world," she said while she was opening the 12th Asian Biennial Fine Arts Exhibition at the Osmani auditorium.
Some 450 pieces of works of 152 artists from 32 countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America have been put on display in the exhibition.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The Prime Minister said the world is changing fast and passing through turmoil. Thoughts, taste and sense of art are also changing. It has become imperative to practise, preserve and flourish the great tradition and serene values of Asia.
"Amidst strong competition in globalisation, our art and culture will have to be enriched, made acceptable and attractive. This is a big challenge of the 21st century," she said.
Expressing her optimism, Khaleda said the brilliant artist community here is capable of facing this challenge through their creative intellect and practice.
She, however, reminded that one cannot become an immortal artist by depending on others and remaining isolated from one's own soil and culture.
Quoting great English poet Keats that `truth is beauty, beauty is truth', she said a work of art should not be distant from truth and reality.
Asian fine arts has great prospects, she said, adding that fine arts and unique expression in the countries of the region is striving for further excellence.
She said contemporary art in the country started its journey following the eminent artist of the soil, Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin. Later, great artists like SM Sultan and Qamrul Hassan further advanced the process.
Mentioning the courageous role of artists during the War of Liberation and in all progressive democratic movements, she said such spontaneous patriotism, pro-people mindset and courage brightened their artistic outlook and enriched the domain of arts.
Recalling the 1st Asian Biennial Fine Arts exhibition inaugurated by late President Ziaur Rahman in 1981, she said since then the exhibition had deepened the cultural relations alongside the friendship among the states in Asia and beyond.
The Prime Minister hoped that the exhibition would enable the artists from home and abroad to enrich their thoughts, imaginations and creativity.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Selima Rahman, director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Ahmed Nazir and director general of National Museum Mahmudul Huq also spoke at the function.
Khaleda distributed grand prizes among three best artists -- Hiroshi Fuji of Japan, Dhali Al Mamun of Bangladesh and Shidhaghat Al Khoran of Iran. Besides, eight artists were given honorary awards.