Jamini is proud to introduce “In Between” with the works of internationally renowned artist Monirul Islam. As a companion piece to our new feature, this article examines the veteran artist’s career, his techniques and creative influences. Also included is a previously unpublished interview with Monir, taken shortly after his inaugural exhibition at the Bengal Art…
In 2013, three exhibitions showing Rafiqun Nabi’s artworks once again proved how deeply committed the artist is to the land and the people. His paintings and prints evoke the fleeting as well as the eternal in our lives and landscape, as they reveal magical moments that transform our daily struggles into celebrations of life and…
The Asian Art Biennale provides art lovers with a rare opportunity to view international art at Shilpakala Academy. The event plays an important role in the development of our artists. Mushfiq Zaman speaks to three local artists, Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed, Yasmin Jahan Nupur and Zihan Karim, who were honoured at the event, to hear their…
Italian writer and director Pier Paolo Pasolini chose to title one of his short stories, “The Earth as Seen from the Moon.” The story centres around a widower and his son who are searching for the perfect woman. Apart from the beautiful story, what most impressed me was, and still is, the title. I have…
Ruby Ghuznavi is one of South Asia’s foremost experts on natural dyes. In her interview with Syeda Samara Mortada she talks about attempts to patent the Jamdani fabric, the role of the National Crafts Council and the state of crafts in Bangladesh. Her views on these matters help illuminate not only the problems facing those…
The nakshi kantha is a type of embroidered quilt made from thread and old cloth that is known for its ornate and colourful designs. It is also one of the oldest folk art traditions in Bangladesh. To celebrate “Crafts,” we have chosen to reprint an article from the very first issue of Jamini that looks…
A handmade craft object is closely associated with its maker and its culture. But in an age of mass-produced consumer goods, handicrafts have lost their authenticity and individuality. Syed Manzoorul Islam discusses the implications of the movement that is taking crafts away from humble artisans to factories and retail outlets. Writing in 1936, when the…
translated by Nico Smeenk A craftsman forms a vision of his art using his life experiences and gives this vision form using the bounty of the land. Shafiqul Kabir Chandan, a renowned Bangladeshi artist living in Italy, weaves the lives he has led and the places he has loved together to create his unique crafts-based…
Doll making is one of the most enduring craft traditions in the Indian Subcontinent. Its past is steeped in mythology and mysticism but its present is plagued by market forces and globalization. Shawon Akand explores the rich history of this unique and underappreciated art form, by examining four popular doll making mediums – clay, wood,…
The Sonargaon Folk Arts and Crafts Museum was established by Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin to store craft objects for future generations. He hoped to promote the steadily declining trade, encourage the skill of its producers and preserve the hundreds of years of history that crafts represents. Kashfia Arif and Fahim Siddiqi investigate the history of this…
