the earth as seen from the moon

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 always considered “The Earth as Seen from the Moon” an invitation to look at fascinating things from a distance and with objectivity, since the distance puts the world in a wider perspective.
This will be my way of looking at the art scene, especially contemporary art, in Bangladesh. My gaze will combine the fascination of finding a new planet waiting to be discovered with a parallel comparison. Does this exercise have any sense or meaning? Yes, it does, since here in Bangladesh, it is a distinctive approach.
I do not believe that my choices will be shared or approved. The aim of this section is different; my goal is to stimulate curiosity, thought and criticism. I will be attracted by choices that might appear superficial, incongruous, or unexpected. But what drives me to take a telescope from the moon and look at the Earth, pointing it at Dhaka, is the conviction that I will not be disillusioned.
In this issue, the magazine was divided into two parts. The first section was devoted to a special topic – “Crafts” – and the second one is a new section called “Open Space.” This part will be filled with various columns, contributions, text and images and will be divided into subsections.
The first part of this issue of our magazine aims to stay true to tradition, while the second part tries to do something new. It is centred on the visual aspect because, while writing is important, looking is even more fundamental. The language of the magazine will try to be, as far as possible, plain and clear. No useless intellectual formulae. Once a critic said, “when critics do not have ideas, they add words.” My wish is to have some ideas and very few words.
This new issue of Jamini is an homage to its past but at the same time, a statement on its future. It is a future that is open to new spaces and new content.

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…