A visual journey supporting rural education in Bangladesh
By Neha Shamim
The Story of Art, a group art exhibition hosted by Dhaka Storytellers, took place from February 8th to 13th, 2025, at Aloki Greenhouse in Dhaka. The exhibition featured a range of works from twenty-eight well-known Bangladeshi artists, with all proceeds from the event going toward supporting rural education in the country.
The exhibition brought together artists like Rafiqun Nabi, Monirul Islam, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Abdus Shakoor Shah, Shahid Kabir, Shahabuddin Ahmed, Farida Zaman, Jamal Ahmed, and Rokeya Sultana, among others. The variety of works on display reflected different artistic styles and perspectives, offering a glimpse into the diverse art scene in Bangladesh.
A key moment during the exhibition was the Art Talk by Professor Emeritus Rafiqun Nabi, who spoke about his artistic journey and the impact of art on society. His talk provided a deeper understanding of the role of art in the country and gave visitors a chance to hear directly from one of Bangladesh’s most respected artists.
The exhibition was curated by Syeda Adiba Hussain, Co-Founder and Curator of Dhaka Storytellers, who played a pivotal role in organizing the event. With her guidance, the exhibition was able to bring together such a wide array of talented artists and make it a memorable experience for attendees. Her dedication to both art and philanthropy ensured that the event ran smoothly and served its purpose of supporting rural education.
Held at Aloki Greenhouse, a venue known for its peaceful surroundings, the exhibition drew in visitors daily from 11am to 10pm, where they could explore the art, meet the artists, and even purchase pieces, with all proceeds directed toward improving rural education in Bangladesh.
Overall, the event was well-received, with many attendees expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to view works from some of the country’s most celebrated artists. Beyond the artistic experience, visitors were equally moved by the exhibition’s underlying cause, raising funds and awareness to improve education in rural communities across Bangladesh. The presence of reputable sponsors like Berger Paints and City Bank played a crucial role in ensuring the exhibition’s success, helping it achieve its goal of making a significant impact both on the cultural front and for the benefit of rural education initiatives. As the exhibition drew to a close, it was clear that The Story of Art had accomplished much more than just showcasing the talent of Bangladesh’s top artists. The event succeeded in creating a meaningful conversation around the importance of supporting education in rural areas. While it may not have been a massive spectacle, its impact was deeply felt, as it provided a platform for not only enjoying and learning about art but also actively contributing to a cause that will make a real difference in the lives of children in rural Bangladesh. The exhibition offered an enriching experience, where art and philanthropy intersected, leaving attendees with a sense of fulfillment knowing that they had participated in something that extended far beyond the walls of the gallery.
