"Shades of Passion", the first ever art exhibition by 40 Bangladeshi artists in The Netherlands was inaugurated at the Atrium City Hall of The Hague on March 30, says a press release.

Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Rabin Baldewsingh was the chief guest of the ceremony, while eminent artist from Bangladesh Rafiqun Nabi was the guest of honour. Nabi was accompanied by two other young compatriots, Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Ali and Pradyut Kumar Das.

A total of 40 paintings of Bangladeshi artists and two paintings by Anika Ahmed, a Bangladeshi expat artist based in the Netherlands are on display. The exhibition is organised by the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague, Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. More than 100 guests gathered at the opening ceremony.

In his opening remarks, Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh to The Netherlands cited the great contribution of artists in connecting societies and countries across borders. He highlighted that contemporary generations of Bangladeshi artists are continuing the legacy of pioneers Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin and Patua Quamrul Hassan. He further stated that Bangladesh was honoured by an opportunity to exhibit art works in

the Netherlands, a country of world renowned artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh who are an inspiration for artists of all ages.

Ambassador Belal, referring to Rafiqun Nabi's immortal creation of "Tokai", urged all to do their bit to stand up against growing inequality and injustice in the society.

Rafiqun Nabi presented how

contemporary arts are evolving in Bangladesh and how our contemporary artists are adding a new dimension to this ancient form art. Rabin Baldewsingh, Deputy Mayor of The Hague congratulated Bangladesh for organising the Bangladesh Art Exhibition in the Netherlands for the very first time. He mentioned that as a nation the

Dutch are connoisseurs of art and culture. Indeed, this is a unique opportunity to exhibit the resilience and serenity of Bangladesh in The Netherlands, he said, adding that this exhibition would further strengthen the bonds of two countries.

The exhibition will continue till April 13.