These photographs do not ask for pity. They ask for something harder — acknowledgement.

A new addition to Dhaka’s contemporary art landscape, Gallery MAFA has officially begun its journey with the group exhibition “A Graceful Beginning”, bringing together a vibrant collection of contemporary artworks by Bangladeshi artists.

The Department of Printmaking at the University of Dhaka inaugurated its Annual Art Exhibition 2025 on May 11 at the Osman Jamal Auditorium with an award-giving ceremony.

Based on the medieval Bengali retelling of the classic romance by poet Dawlat Wazir Bahram Khan, the production will be staged at Natmandal Auditorium from May 18 to 21 at 7 pm, with two additional shows scheduled for May 22 at 5 pm and 7:30 pm.

Rabindranath’s works come to life in this exhibition through the creations of contemporary artists who were inspired by his unique vision and engage with his timeless ideas.

At the Venice Biennale’s collateral exhibition “Still Joy — From Ukraine into the World”, Bangladeshi visual artist Ashfika Rahman finds herself at the centre of a rare moment of global attention, after her work “Than Para — No Land Without Us” was selected as a New York Times Critics’ Pick among the 6 Must-See Venice Shows.

Centred on the final hour of Ferdowsi’s life, the play portrays the ageing poet waiting outside his home in Tus for the reward promised by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni for completing “Shahnameh”.

In works such as “Oceanic Fury”, “Midnight Storm”, and “Tempest of Paradise”, Ain explores the sea’s dual nature—its capacity for serenity and violence. The ocean becomes a psychic mirror, reflecting inner turbulence alongside external force.

A three-day art exhibition titled “Light from the Inner Soul” is currently underway at the lobby of Cumilla Shilpakala Auditorium, showcasing the creative expressions and inner visions of women through paintings and handcrafted artworks.

An exhibition showcasing portraits of Tagore and Nazrul, created by more than 100 students from 13 schools in and around Dhaka, was also held as part of the event.

Alliance Française de Dhaka and ARTCON are currently hosting “A Shared Condition”, the first solo exhibition by interdisciplinary artist Mubtasim Alvee, who is pursuing his MFA at the Department of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. The exhibition explores intrapersonal physical and mental states, connections, and memories that contribute to a collective identity shaped by shared social and political histories.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has launched a 10-day programme titled “National Cultural Heritage Preservation and Tribute to Eminent Personalities”, aimed at honouring 45 distinguished cultural figures of the country.

Through this initiative, Bhairabi created a memorable cultural experience for dance enthusiasts and audiences, while highlighting the elegance and depth of classical dance heritage.

Their presentation, scheduled for May 24, is titled “Blood, Breath, and Belonging: Preserving Mro Culture and Cosmology through Nasyatpa Ritual Performance”.

Speaking to The Daily Star about Ataur Rahman, Mamunur Rashid said, “I have known him since before the independence of Bangladesh.

The venue became a space of deep emotion as leading figures from Bangladesh’s theatre, cultural, and artistic communities came to bid farewell. Among those present were faculty members from the Theatre Departments of Jagannath University and the University of Dhaka, along with many prominent cultural personalities.

The scale of the preparations had already created a festive atmosphere across the division and added that the programme would also provide an opportunity to showcase local cultural heritage and indigenous traditions.

To mark Mother’s Day, Jolkonya has organised a six-day group art exhibition titled “Every Woman is a Mother”.

The Ekushey Padak and Swadhinata Padak awardee has been on life support for the past 10 days following a fall that led to multiple organ complications.

Organised by the academy’s Fine Arts Department, the exhibition features reproductions of Tagore’s paintings as well as artworks reflecting his literary and philosophical legacy. It will remain open to visitors until May 23, daily from 11am to 8:00pm.