The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) in Doha recently opened an art exhibition titled “City of Memories” by Bangladeshi artist Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed. The exhibition, which will run until January 7, offers a unique experience that transports visitors to the heart of “Old Dhaka”, showcasing its rich heritage and culture through contemporary artworks. Through his paintings and artworks, Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed highlights the deep relationship between the residents and their architectural environment, reviving the spirit of community life characterized by harmony and integration.
The exhibition opening was attended by Deputy General Manager and Director of Human Resources of Katara, Saif Saad Al Dosari; Ambassador of Bangladesh to Qatar H E Mohammad Nazrul Islam, along with a number of other Ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions. H E Ambassador of Bangladesh highlighted that the exhibition is a result of cooperation between Katara and the embassy of Bangladesh, coinciding with the celebration of 50 years of friendly relations between Bangladesh and Qatar. He emphasized that the exhibition signifies the strong cultural ties between the two countries and thanked Katara for its continuous support in achieving cultural exchange.
Artist Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed explained that the pieces in his exhibition are inspired by his childhood memories and daily life in the old city of Dhaka. He aimed to break stereotypes about the lifestyle in old cities, stating that Dhaka carries many values that can inspire artists. Ahmed also noted the city’s exceptional urban culture, distinctive local dialect, and special lifestyle, as well as the overlap between personal life and community activities, all of which are reflected in his works. The exhibition serves as a celebration of artistic creativity and a profound human message highlighting the strong ties between heritage and society.
The exhibition is a reflection of the artist’s experience of living in Old Dhaka, the historical area founded in the 15th century. Through his art, Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage and community life of the city, emphasizing harmony and integration among residents. The exhibition not only celebrates artistic creativity but also serves as a platform to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Bangladesh and Qatar, as well as showcasing the depth of cultural relations between the two countries.
H E Ambassador of Bangladesh expressed gratitude towards Katara for its continuous support in achieving cultural exchange, stating that the foundation serves as a leading global platform that brings together cultures and arts from all over the world. He emphasized that the exhibition is a celebration of the strong ties between Bangladesh and Qatar, marking 50 years of friendly relations. Through the artworks displayed, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage and culture of Old Dhaka, gaining insight into the unique lifestyle and traditions of the city, as portrayed by the artist.
In conclusion, the art exhibition “City of Memories” by Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed offers a captivating journey through the heart of “Old Dhaka”, showcasing the city’s rich heritage and culture through contemporary artworks. The exhibition serves as a celebration of artistic creativity and a profound human message, highlighting the strong ties between heritage and society. Through his paintings and artworks, the artist brings to life the deep relationship between residents and their architectural environment, reviving the spirit of community life characterized by harmony and integration. The cooperation between Katara and the embassy of Bangladesh signifies the depth of cultural relations between the two countries, with the exhibition serving as a platform for promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
