PHOTOS: SHEIKH MEHEDI MORSHED

NAVEEN ISLAM TOREE

The inauguration ceremony of the 24th Young Artists’ Art Exhibition 2025 was held on December 11 at the National Art Gallery Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, celebrating emerging artistic talent from across the country.

Although the programme was scheduled to begin at 4 pm, it started at around 5:45pm.

Cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki inaugurated the exhibition as chief guest. Renowned artists Professor Dr Abdus Sattar and Professor Mostafizul Haque attended the event as guests of honour, while Mr Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed, director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, presided over the ceremony.

Reflecting on the nature of art, Professor Abdus Sattar said, “Every country carries a distinct artistic identity. You can often recognise where an artwork is from at first glance. Take Ravi Varma’s Urvashi —the story behind it alone could fill a book. Art is not just about visual admiration; every work carries a narrative.”

Farooki apologised for arriving late and said he felt inspired by the young artists on display. “Competition can be both inspiring and unsettling for artists,” he said. “But what truly matters is the personal signature in an artwork—just as a Van Gogh painting is instantly recognisable.”

Following the speeches, a prize-giving ceremony was held. Seven participatory honour prizes were awarded. Ashfiqur Rahman won the first prize, Sheema Mondol secured second place, and Noor-e-Ala Siddique received the third prize.

The evening concluded with guests visiting the galleries to view the exhibited artworks.

The exhibition will remain open to the public till December 22, daily from 11 am to 8 pm, at Galleries 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 of the National Art Gallery.