Staff Correspondent
JT International Bangladesh (JTIB) unveils the exhibition "Blossoms of Existence," celebrating the
longstanding cultural connection between Japan and Bangladesh at the Annex Building, Embassy of
Japan in Bangladesh.
The curated exhibition consists of captivating artworks by Bangladeshi artists, Rokeya Sultana and
Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, who are deeply inspired by Japanese culture, philosophies, and art techniques. The
exhibition explores human experience and spiritual enlightenment aiming to create a sense of harmony,
purpose, and fulfilment. Salman Fazlur Rahman MP, Advisor to the Honorable Prime Minister of
Bangladesh on Private Industry and Investment and Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori inaugurated
the art exhibition on Thursday, 9 May 2024 at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh. Advisor Salman
Fazlur Rahman MP said, "This exhibition is a testament of the friendship and cultural ties between
Bangladesh and Japan. Japan has been a true and time-tested friend of Bangladesh and has supported
development across multiple sectors including the arts and culture. I applaud JT International
Bangladesh for this initiative and look forward to strengthening the ties between the two friendly
nations. Ambassador Iwama Kiminori added, "The cultural exchange between Japan and Bangladesh will
be a very effective instrument in strengthening bilateral relations. This exhibition not only showcases
artistic talent but also embodies the spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding." Paul Holloway,
Managing Director of JTIB remarked “We have been celebrating Bangladeshi artists with a Japanese
connection since our inception, through the landmark investment in 2018. We have been organizing art
exhibitions and supporting the learning of Japanese language in Bangladesh since 2022 and hope to
continue investing in Japanese culture inBangladesh.”The inauguration ceremony was also attended by
guests from the government, business, art, media, and other dignitaries in Bangladesh. The exhibition
‘Blossoms of Existence’ is designed to ignite the spark of passion for living a life of purpose for leading a
meaningful and balanced life. The artists unravel the layers of existence intertwined between the
culture, philosophies, and spirituality of the two countries. The artworks, styles and techniques of both
the artists transcends borders, cultures and generations. Some of their masterpieces belong to the
curated art collection of JTIB. Rokeya Sultana is an award-winning artist and a globally recognized
printmaker and painter – the first female artist to receive a Fulbright scholarship and an Asian Art
Biennial award. Sultana's art has been exhibited in various countries worldwide, including the Tokyo
International Mini-Print Triennial, the Tosha-Washi International Committee, Japan; Center Point
Gallery, Art Arena, Tokyo; the Independence Day Print Exhibition, Kanagawa, Japan; and in several
prestigious exhibitions in Poland, Germany, Egypt, and the USA. The distinguished artist employs a
straightforward approach in her work, drawing on elements of naive art. Internationally celebrated
artist, Maksuda Nipa, has garnered numerous awards and grants, including the Best Award for Oil
Painting at the Annual Art Exhibition at the University of Dhaka in 1997, and the International Friendship
Award at the Amano Hashi Date Art and Craft Fair in Kyoto in 2002. Inspired by luminaries such as
Kandinsky and Mondrian, her vision underwent a profound metamorphosis, transitioning from figurative
expressions to vibrant chromic abstraction. While studying in Aichi University in Japan in 2002, she
immersed herself in the rich tradition of Japanese art gaining her solo exhibitions in Japan, organized by
Gallery APA and Haruhi Museum of Art. Following the inauguration, the exhibition will be open to the
public from 10 May 2024 till 16 May 2024.
