On June 7, 2024, the Praxis: Film and Visual Arts Public Talk Series opened with an insightful discussion on “Contemporary Art Scene(s) of Bangladesh,” hosted at DrikPath Bhobon, Dhaka. This event, organized by the HFF School of Film and Visual Arts in collaboration with Drik Picture Library, provided a dynamic space for public engagement with contemporary art discourse.
The panel featured prominent figures in Bangladeshi art and film: Adit Dewan, filmmaker and curator from the Chakma indigenous community, co-founder of the Hill Film Festival, and award-winning creator of Not Only the Ants’ Story; Mustafa Zaman, a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and former editor of Depart magazine, renowned for his writings and publications on South Asian modern art pioneers; and Ruxmini Choudhury, curator at Samdani Art Foundation and founder of the Singularity Art Movement, known for championing public art engagement and international curatorial collaborations.
Attendees explored topics ranging from indigenous film representation to innovations in art mediation and the importance of bridging cultural dialogues within and beyond Bangladesh. This lively exchange marked a promising start to the Praxis series, fostering deeper appreciation for the evolving Bangladeshi art landscape.
