‘Her and the City’: the beauty of Dhaka through women’s eyes
In architecture school, we are taught that a city can only be called safe if it is safe for women, children, the disabled, and the elderly. Unfortunately, despite being the capital, Dhaka city can hardly be called safe. But most people still choose to live in this city, and love this city. And what can be more surprising than seeing the beauty of Dhaka through the eyes of women artists?
On October 3, 2025, Bhumi Gallery in Lalmatia, Block D inaugurated a group art exhibition titled "Her and the City" featuring nine women artists from different educational backgrounds. Artist Dr Farida Zaman graced the event as the chief guest, and Artist Shahanoor Mamun was present as the special guest. Farida Zaman expressed her content to see the rise in the number of women in fine arts. After the cordial speeches from the guests, the exhibition was underway.
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"Her and the City" is an initiative of Easel, an organisation founded by three women from diverse backgrounds and different religions who share a passion for art. Easel focuses on promoting art and culture, beauty, and diversity of Bangladesh on the global stage through artists and art enthusiasts, especially women. Aside from hosting art exhibitions, Easel arranges hands-on workshops, outdoor art camps, and other immersive experiences that can bring soul to art.
The participating artists are from different educational backgrounds and come from different parts of the country. The featured artists are –Arifa Sultana Lata, Fatema Akter, Shnigdha Rani Mitra, Shaharin Sultana Season, Razia Sultana, Afrina Naznin, Asma Akter, Samiha Ahmed, and Arifa Sultana. "Her and the City" is the second exhibition of this group.
As I roamed the gallery, I saw vibrant colors, dynamic lines, and unique perspectives on the walls. The artists have chosen different mediums and methods to portray the prominent places, landmarks, and historical buildings. Some are done with rich acrylic colors, some in translucent watercolors, others in pastel or charcoal.
I could see Ruplal House, Beauty Boarding, Ahsan Manzil, and some other heritage sites of Old Dhaka. Fatema Akter and Afrina Naznin's dry media pieces particularly enthralled me. Arifa Sultana Lata's cityscape in twilight is also enchanting. There were abstract paintings, floral artworks, figurative work too.
"Her and the City" displayed the potential of all nine artists. Bhumi Gallery will run this exhibition till October 11, 2025.
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