In a vibrant and deeply symbolic cultural celebration, HerNet Fine Arts, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, officially inaugurated the landmark visual art exhibition “Origins of Vision” today at the Embassy premises in Dhaka. The exhibition, which runs until July 26, 2025, stands as a profound tribute to Bangladesh’s artistic heritage and its enduring friendship with Japan.
The exhibition was officially opened with a powerful speech by Alisha Pradhan, Curator of the Exhibition and Founder & Secretary General of HerNet Foundation. She reflected on the evolution of HerNet Fine Arts—from its roots in cultural advocacy to becoming a leading platform for global artistic exchange. She emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties, and HerNet’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces where heritage and innovation converge to promote peace, identity, and cooperation.
In her remarks, Alisha Pradhan also announced that HerNet Foundation will soon launch its own fine arts gallery in the heart of Gulshan, Dhaka. This gallery is envisioned as a sophisticated, permanent platform to bridge the gap between artists and high-level art patrons, collectors, and global art institutions. She also shared that HerNet Fine Arts is in the process of establishing Bangladesh’s largest and most comprehensive Art Data Centre—an innovative repository of artist profiles, catalogues, archives, and curated information aimed at national and international accessibility. Furthermore, she unveiled HerNet’s plan to introduce an exclusive Privilege Card for artists, granting them access to a wide ensemble of lifestyle benefits, healthcare packages, and cultural services, reaffirming HerNet’s long-term mission to create a sustainable ecosystem for artistic livelihoods in Bangladesh.
The grand opening ceremony was graced by the presence of the Deputy Chief of Mission of Japan, Takahashi Naoki, who delivered opening remarks underscoring the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people ties. The Guest of Honor, Ambassador of Spain, Gabriel Sistiaga, and Ambassador of Korea, Park Young-sik, brought international solidarity to the occasion, emphasizing cross-cultural understanding through the arts.
Monir Prodhan, Chairman of HerNet Foundation, also addressed the gathering, sharing reflections on the organization’s long-standing commitment to the arts. He expressed pride in HerNet Fine Arts’ journey and reiterated its mission to globally represent Bangladeshi art, uplift national heritage, and build cultural bridges through meaningful international collaborations.
The event’s Chief Guest, artist Monirul Islam, one of Bangladesh’s most respected artistic voices, shared heartfelt reflections on the evolution of Bangladeshi art and the importance of honoring its pioneers. A distinguished lineup of Special Guests joined the celebration, including Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, honorable vice chancellor of Dhaka University, Mohammad Eunus, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Naima Haque, Farida Zaman, Sheikh Afzal, Mustafa Khalid Palash, and Monir Prodhan, Chairman of HerNet Foundation. Kazi Bushra Ahmed Tithi, the Cultural Specialist of the Embassy of Japan, skillfully conducted the event as the Master of Ceremonies.
As part of the inaugural ceremony, guests were shown a special video documentary chronicling the journey of HerNet Fine Arts—its founding vision, milestone projects, and growing footprint in national and international cultural discourse. The evening also featured a powerful live performance art piece by internationally acclaimed artist Preema Nazia Andaleeb, whose dynamic expression captivated the audience and reinforced the exhibition’s themes of identity, transformation, and creative freedom.
This exhibition is historic for being the first-ever tribute by a private organization to the founding luminaries of Bangladeshi art. It features rare works and archival homages to legendary masters such as Zainul Abedin, SM Sultan, Mohammad Kibria, Novera Ahmed, Rashid Choudhury, Quamrul Hassan, and Safiuddin Ahmed—each a cornerstone in the formation of the nation’s artistic identity. Alongside these posthumous tributes, the exhibition showcases curated works by 47 of Bangladesh’s most acclaimed and emerging artists, forming a dynamic cross-generational dialogue on memory, resilience, and imagination.
HerNet Fine Arts, the cultural wing of HerNet Foundation, has played a transformative role in redefining artistic engagement in Bangladesh. Since its launch in 2024, HerNet Fine Arts has delivered impactful initiatives, including Bangladesh’s largest art camp at a five-star hotel at Le Méridien Dhaka in December 2024; “Flavorful Bangladesh,” a 10-day exhibition and art camp at InterContinental Dhaka; “Harmony on Canvas” at North South University in January 2025; a public-access Art Fair at Aloki Convention Center; and an exclusive Artistic Soirée introducing Bangladesh’s first Art Data Centre.
The exhibition will remain open to the public daily from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Themed cultural days include July 20, which will feature Japanese cultural exchange activities such as Ikebana, Origami, and a traditional tea ceremony; July 23, which will host a dialogue on art and cultural diplomacy; July 25, which will focus on youth engagement and inclusive art education; and the closing ceremony on July 26, which will include remarks by the Ambassador of Japan and distribution of the official Coffee Table Book, jointly published by HerNet Fine Arts.
The Embassy of Japan and HerNet Foundation extend their sincere thanks to all the attending diplomats, artists, academics, and guests who helped mark this day as a milestone in Bangladesh’s cultural calendar.
For press inquiries or visitor details, please contact:
Sabyasachi Paul, Head of Strategy & Communication, HerNet Foundation | HerNet Fine Arts
Email: hernetfoundation@gmail.com | hernettv.alisha@gmail.com
Phone: +88 01797 311 765