15 London Bangla Book Fair & Art Exhibiton, The Town Hall, Tower Hamlets in London, UK, 2024

21 Contemporary Artists

Group Art Exhibition

DHAKA- London, 2024

LONDON SHOW 9- 10 November, Tower Hemlet Hall & Online 9 to 30 November. 

The first show conducted by the 21 Artists Group on September 20–28, 2024, marked a milestone in their journey at Zainul Gallery-1, Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University. This exhibition serves as a stepping stone to the next chapter in their creative journey, with plans to showcase their work both locally and abroad. In their collective vision, contemporary artists from Dhaka—making their debut in the art market—view art as a force that shapes society and culture, portraying experiences that capture the meaning of our time while offering hope to future generations.

To the 21 Artists Group, art is a language used to convey the vitality of a nation and its history, both past and present. Art also provides new ways of seeing and connecting to the environment, serving as a vehicle for unearthing many of the truths relevant to our time. Armed with a wide array of artistic talent, these artists work with brushstrokes, color, and texture to express aspects of themselves that cannot be conveyed except through paper or canvas.

The 21 Artists Group will host its second exhibition in London at the Town Hall, Tower Hamlets, on November 9 and 10, 2024. This event will run concurrently with the Bangla Book Fair at Capital Hill, where each artist will showcase two new works, extending their artistic endeavors across borders. This collaboration on the London exhibition is a testament to their dedication to expanding the reach and influence of their art in the global discourse.

Art is a way forward not only for artists but, as the 21 Artists Group believes, for society at large. They hold that art is an essential tool for reflection and transformation, particularly when facing societal challenges. By showcasing their work, they aim to raise awareness and build empathy, creating a dialogue that inspires change and uses art as a catalyst for rethinking societal issues. The 21 Artists Group’s journey from Dhaka to London has just begun, driven by a vision and passion to achieve greater visibility and connect with people on a broader scale.

DHAKA SHOW
20-28 September, 2024, Zainul Gallery -1, Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The dates between September 20,2024 to September 28, 2024, the Zainul Gallery, located in the Faculty of Fine Art of the University of Dhaka, came alive with contemporary art joint exhibition where twenty-one artists showcased their works. The exhibition was officially opened by Professor Jamal Ahmed, Artist Faculty of Fine Art, who emphasized that the exhibition is proof of the expanding artistic avenues within Bangladesh.

Other important personalities present at the occasion included Dr. Professor Azharul Islam Chanchal, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University, and celebrated artist Aowlad Hossain, both of whom highlighted the importance of nurturing creativity across generations.

The exhibition itself was captivating as it presented a brilliant and diverse array of art forms, such as oil paintings, watercolors, collages, giving the platform for experimental digital arts, among others. Every artist’s interpretation was different, contributing to the emotional and thematic diversity that the exhibition celebrated. The highlight of this event from others was how it successfully integrated traditional methods with new concepts, creating a fusion of styles and approaches that attracted audiences from different backgrounds.

There were several artists in the show who had no formal training per say, yet they boldly challenged conventions in their work, producing pieces that were both vibrant and raw.

The vibrant strokes and every expressive strokes of the brush or palette knife dominated the canvas, the quest for the evolution of creativity helped break the barriers of the art space. Various forms of artistic expression formed the basis for interaction between formal and informal approaches to art practices.

Even throughout the entire period of the exhibition, many people frequently visited the gallery, including professional art lovers and ordinary families, eager to see the unique patterns and themes within the works. Visitors engaged in discussions about the works, as the exhibition showcased a range of artists—professional, amateur, and children—weaved together effortlessly. The anticipation around the evolving displays kept everyone coming back to experience something new.

The hours, which spanned from 11 am to 7 pm, were ideal for art enthusiasts, allowing them to fully explore the creative process on display at the Zainul Gallery. “The selection of art available here is mind-blowing,” one visitor exclaimed, adding, “Here, you see both experienced artists and emerging talents working side by side. There are even self-taught artists who bring completely fresh ideas and concepts. It feels like experiencing Bangladesh’s art scene in its entirety.”

As the curtain fell on the exhibition on September 28, it left a lasting mark on the Dhaka art scene. The joint exhibition of 21 Artists successfully synthesized the old with the new, allowing for self-exploration and deep artistic expression. The diversity of perspectives along with an open mind provided a new opening for conversation, inspiration, and the future of art and it will surely set in motion more fruitful art events as the years pass.”