SRIJON SHAIKAT

For 22 years, Galleri Kaya has remained a familiar and influential presence in Bangladesh’s art community. What began as a gallery has gradually evolved into something larger: a meeting place for artists, collectors, students and art enthusiasts. Over the years, it has hosted exhibitions, encouraged dialogue, and created opportunities for artists at different stages of their careers.

As Galleri Kaya marks its 22nd anniversary, several prominent artists reflected on its journey and the role it has played in shaping the country’s cultural landscape.

Artist Ranjit Das believes Galleri Kaya’s contribution extends far beyond exhibiting and selling artwork. In his view, the gallery has made remarkable progress and helped reshape the art scene in Bangladesh through its consistent commitment to quality.

Das credited much of that success to Galleri Kaya Director Goutam Chakraborty. Among the exhibitions he remembers most vividly is Murtaza Bashir’s print exhibition. He described Bashir as one of Bangladesh’s finest line-drawing artists after Zainul Abedin.

He also spoke about the importance of art camps organised outside Dhaka, which allow artists to engage with different environments and audiences.

While international recognition for Bangladeshi art may still take time, Das believes Galleri Kaya is moving steadily in the right direction through initiatives such as books, albums and publications that introduce local art to wider audiences.

Supporting young artists is another area where the gallery has made a lasting difference, according to Das.

Das also pointed to the gallery’s impact on Uttara. At a time when few associated the area with cultural activity, Galleri Kaya helped establish it as a destination for art and creativity.

Artist Shamsuddoha described exhibiting at Galleri Kaya as an important milestone in his career. He praised the gallery’s contribution to Bangladesh’s artistic culture and recalled that opening an art gallery in Uttara was once considered unconventional. Looking back, he feels the decision proved worthwhile.

Artist Kazi Rakib believes the gallery’s influence is also visible in changing public attitudes towards art. He feels Galleri Kaya has played a role in encouraging people to appreciate art more deeply and understand its place in society. As Bangladesh continues to develop economically, Rakib sees culture as an essential companion to that growth.

Reflecting on the gallery’s journey, artist Goutam Chakraborty identified Shambhu Acharjee’s 2006 exhibition as a significant turning point. Featuring many leading artists of the time, it helped create momentum for future initiatives.

Rather than focusing on achievements, however, Goutam emphasised opportunity. Young artists, he said, deserve the same chances to grow, experiment and discover their own voices.

Looking ahead, he hopes to strengthen Galleri Kaya further while creating new opportunities for cultural exchange. Bringing artists and ideas from different parts of the world into conversation with Bangladesh’s art scene remains one of his goals.

Culture, he believes, is central to national identity, and Bangladesh has a rich artistic heritage worth celebrating.

Artist Jamal Ahmed offered a simple reflection. Galleri Kaya, he said, should continue doing what it has been doing for the past two decades. He expressed gratitude for his association with the gallery and said its place within Bangladesh’s art community is already firmly established.

Galleri Kaya’s group exhibition, “22nd Anniversary Exhibition”, reflects the cultural backdrop of Bangladesh and Bangladeshi art, as well as cross-cultural ties with neighbouring countries. It features a selection of works produced between 1957 and 2026 by 45 modern and contemporary artists. The exhibition is running from June 12 to June 26.