Origins of Vision was a landmark 9 day tribute and exhibition by HerNet Fine Arts with the collaboration of the Embassy of Japan. Held at the Embassy from July 18–26, 2025, the event featured 47 contemporary artists, a tribute to 7 legendary masters of Bangladeshi art, live performances, curated dialogues, and Japanese cultural experiences. From the unveiling of the Origins of Vision book to gallery tours with collectors and diplomats, this event was a celebration of artistic legacy, cross-cultural friendship, and community-powered creativity.
Origins of Vision – Event Overview
- Full Title: Origins of Vision – Tribute & Group Exhibition
- Presented by: HerNet Fine Arts in collaboration with The Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh
- Venue: Multipurpose Hall, Embassy of Japan, Baridhara, Dhaka
- Dates: July 18–26, 2025
- Opening Ceremony: July 18, 2025
- Closing Ceremony: July 26, 2025
Group Exhibition of 47 Contemporary Artists
Participating Artists:
- Abdul Mannan
- Abdus Satter
- Abdus Shakoor Shah
- Abu Jafar
- Ahmed Nawaz
- Ahmed Shamsuddoha
- Aloptogin Tushar
- Anisuzzaman Anis
- Biren Shome
- Dilruba Latif
- Elham Huq Khuku
- Fahmida Khatun
- Fareha Zeba
- Farida Zaman
- GM Khalilur Rahman
- Ismail Chowdhury
- Julia Lebrao Sendra
- Karu Titash
- Kuhu Plamondon
- Md Muniruzzaman
- Mohammad Eunus
- Mohammad Iqbal
- Monideepa Dasgupta
- Monirul Islam
- Mustapha Khalid Palash
- Naima Haque
- Pradyut Kumar Das
- Preema Nazia Andaleeb
- Priti Ali
- Ranjit Das
- Rasel Rana
- Rashedul Huda
- Rezaul Hoque
- Rezaun Nabi
- Rokeya Sultana
- Salim Ahmed
- Samina Nafies
- Shahabuddin Ahmed
- Shameem Subrana
- Sheikh Afzal
- Sulekha Chowdhury
- Sunil Kumar
- Syed Zahid Iqbal
- Tarun Ghosh
- Tejosh Halder Josh
- Uttam Kumar Karmaker
- Ziaur Rahman
As part of Origins of Vision, forty-seven of Bangladesh’s most dynamic contemporary artists were invited to participate in this landmark exhibition. Each artist contributed one or more original paintings created exclusively for this event. These submissions represent a wide spectrum of practices, from abstraction and figuration to folk motifs and conceptual expression. Together, their contributions form a vibrant chorus of voices that reflect the diverse aesthetic languages, personal histories, and collective aspirations of a generation of artists shaping the future of Bangladeshi visual culture. Through this collective display, the exhibition celebrates continuity, innovation, and the enduring vitality of artistic expression in Bangladesh today.
Tribute to 7 Masters of Bangladeshi Art Legacy:
At the heart of Origins of Vision lies a rare and deeply reverent Tribute Section, dedicated to seven legendary figures who laid the foundations of modern art in Bangladesh. This curated space featured seven rare original artworks, each representing one of these visionary masters:
- Zainul Abedin
- S.M. Sultan
- Mohammad Kibria
- Novera Ahmed
- Rashid Chowdhury
- Quamrul Hassan
- Safiuddin Ahmed
These works—sourced from private collections and institutional archives—were displayed with immense care, offering the public a rare opportunity to engage with the legacy of artists who reshaped national identity through art. Accompanying the visual tribute was the screening of the short documentary Origins of Vision, which narrates the journey of Bangladeshi art from its early pioneers to the present generation. The film served as both a historical reflection and a bridge between past and present, deepening the emotional resonance of the tribute wall and inviting visitors to reflect on the enduring impact of these iconic artists.
This section marked a historic first: the first-ever tribute by a private organization to collectively honor these foundational figures in a single exhibition.
Book Launch: Origins of Vision
As a key feature of the exhibition, the official launch of the Origins of Vision book marked a significant milestone in HerNet Fine Arts’ commitment to art documentation and cultural preservation. The publication was unveiled during the exhibition at the Embassy of Japan, in the presence of distinguished artists, diplomats, and guests. This carefully curated book features profiles of 47 contemporary Bangladeshi artists and tributes to 7 legendary masters, capturing their contributions through insightful texts and high-resolution reproductions of selected artworks. Structured with clarity and elegance, the book includes artist spotlights, institutional messages, historical timelines, and documentation of HerNet’s major cultural initiatives. Serving both as a visual archive and a lasting tribute, the Origins of Vision book stands as a testament to Bangladesh’s artistic legacy—past, present, and future—and reflects HerNet’s mission to elevate and preserve the voices of artists across generations.
Screening of the Origins of Vision Documentary
A powerful centerpiece of the exhibition was the screening of the short documentary Origins of Vision, produced by HerNet Fine Arts and HerNet TV. The film offered a rare and moving experience, featuring archival interviews and original works by seven legendary figures of Bangladeshi art: Zainul Abedin, S.M. Sultan, Novera Ahmed, Safiuddin Ahmed, Quamrul Hassan, Rashid Choudhury, and Mohammad Kibria. Blending historical reflection with contemporary storytelling, the documentary paid tribute to these pioneers while also highlighting the transformative impact of HerNet Foundation, HerNetTV, and HerNet Fine Arts. Through footage of past events, community work, and cultural programming, the film illuminated HerNet’s broader mission at the intersection of art, media, and social change.
Performance | Tracing July
Tracing July was a featured highlight within the Origins of Vision exhibition—a performance artwork by celebrated multidisciplinary artist Preema Nazia Andaleeb. Known for her bold presence and conceptual explorations, Preema activated the exhibition space with a live, durational performance that merged body, canvas, and emotion. The act symbolically traced the memories, struggles, and creative surges of Bangladeshi womanhood and artistic resistance. Through this performance, Preema invited the audience to reflect on temporal memory, artistic agency, and female embodiment—offering a living counterpoint to the static works on display. This performance not only embodied the spirit of Origins of Vision, but also marked HerNet’s commitment to performance art, feminist narratives, and the intersection of contemporary expression and archival memory.
Performance | Folk Music
Adding a soulful layer to the Origins of Vision experience, a special live folk music performance was held during the exhibition’s opening day. The performance featured three acclaimed musicians—Akash Mandal, Touhidul Islam, and Naz Gohin—whose voices and instruments brought the essence of Bengal’s rural heartland into the gallery space. Blending traditional melodies with contemporary emotion, the trio performed songs rooted in Baul, Bhatiali, and mystic folk traditions, evoking themes of longing, spiritual journey, and cultural memory. Their performance served as a powerful sonic complement to the visual narratives on display, creating a sensory bridge between art, land, and people. This musical offering reflected HerNet Fine Arts’ dedication to integrating diverse art forms, honoring not only visual artists but also the living traditions that continue to inspire them.
Curated Talk Sessions
As part of the Origins of Vision programming, a series of curated talk sessions brought together a distinguished group of artists, diplomats, and curators for open dialogue and reflection. These sessions provided an intimate platform to explore the deeper narratives behind the exhibition—its tribute to artistic legacy, the evolving identity of Bangladeshi art, and the power of cultural exchange. Speakers shared insights on their creative journeys, curatorial practices, and the role of art in shaping collective memory and diplomacy. The presence of international guests alongside leading local voices fostered cross-cultural understanding, while grounding the discussion in the lived realities of Bangladeshi artists. These talks enriched the visitor experience by adding context, conversation, and community to the visual landscape—reinforcing HerNet Fine Arts’ commitment to intellectual engagement and inclusive storytelling.
Japanese Cultural Highlights
As a gesture of friendship and cultural exchange, Origins of Vision featured a series of Japanese cultural experiences curated in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh. These activities offered visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich artistic heritage, complementing the exhibition’s theme of honoring traditions while embracing contemporary expression. Across different days of the event, guests participated in:
- An Ancient Japanese Tea Ceremony, where masters demonstrated the elegance, precision, and meditative ritual of tea preparation—inviting reflection on mindfulness and hospitality.
- A hands-on Origami Workshop with underprivileged children to explore the art of paper folding and its symbolism in Japanese culture.
- A graceful Ikebana Demonstration, showcasing the traditional art of Japanese flower arrangement, where balance, impermanence, and natural harmony came alive through form.
These experiences added a cross-cultural dimension to the exhibition, deepening the dialogue between Bangladeshi and Japanese aesthetics, and celebrating the enduring power of art to connect people across borders.
Gallery Tours & Collector Access
- Guided tours for collectors, diplomats, and art patrons.
- Original works were made available for private collection and charity purchase.
- Inclusive art experience, special tour with underprivileged children of Abinta School & Chittagong Grammar School Dhaka followed by origami workshop
Distinguished Guests
- Mr. SAIDA Shinichi | Ambassador of Japan
- Mr. Gabriel Sistiaga | Ambassador of Spain
- Mr. PARK Young Sik | Ambassador of Korea
- Archbishop Kevin Stuart Randall | Ambassador of Vatican City
- H.E. Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong | Ambassador of Vietnam
- Mr. Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen | Ambassador of Norway
- Haji Haris Bin Othman | Ambassador of Brunei
- Scott Hartman | Director for Public Engagement, U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh
- James Stewart | Political Advisor, U.S Embassy in Bangladesh
- Maximiliano ROMANELLO | Deputy Head of Mission, Argentine Embassy in Bangladesh
- Mr. Enis Xhemaili | Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Kosovo in Bangladesh
- Ms. Ann Mary George | First Secretary, High Commision of India in Bangladesh
- Faizur R. Khan | Managing Director, BTI Ltd.
- Maheen Khan | Fashion Designer | Founder, Mayasir Ltd.
- Farida Akhtar | Advisor, Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock
- Sarah Karim | Fashion Designer | Founder, Sarah Karim Couture
- Sabah Moyeen | Representative, World Bank
- Contemporary Artists | Monirul Islam, Mohammad Eunus, Abdus Satter, Farida Zaman, Ahmed Shamsuddoha, Biren Shome, GM Khalilur Rahman, Sheikh Afza, Naima Haque etc.
- Cultural Attachés, Diplomats, Curators, and Art leaders
Press & Media Coverage
- Coverage by:
- RTV [https://www.facebook.com/reel/1065932648978461?fs=e&s=m]
- New Age Bangladesh [https://www.newagebd.net/post/photography-art-design/270491/origins-of-visions-pays-tribute-to-july-uprising-legendary-artists]
- Onno Shomoy [https://onnoshomoy.com/archives/7247?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7xbpzeUcmg8vqBBdZtGzLCDAJSugwTntn7MJYtuTi-GENbRCb7qUddf0qi6A_aem_77MzTgCtaYBntTAvMnwoqA]
- The Daily Dhaka Dialogue [https://thedailydhakadialogue.com/%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87-origins-of-vision-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AA/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7oQCS4R0H9ziwjRuod8QZVgjRt2IwJYJh-dEzivnWnWF65dICkI7MDzPHqcw_aem_eXTD3QE1iQfHIK1XWJ9obg]
- The Daily Sun [https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/814921?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR53jjBL0ZvYXfls0GH0LrRONPUFhQC4RR40iooh6duyDoOQ5B6KrQWb4WXctw_aem_rGgbzcJMJfSQCm2a0KMe_w]
- BSS News [https://www.bssnews.net/news/293878]
- Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh [https://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/11_000001_01248.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR5Jhqq3BLGddcpGZA4WLv7kPX8YoG1GVzPSsfCl15EXcA_B52o5Azh3d3_8HA_aem_39SgmkzN0l_bgasjgGQt2g]
- United News of Bangladesh(UNB) [https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/art-exhibition-begins-in-city-reflecting-tokyos-cultural-ties-with-dhaka/164408?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR5GTvzmFPWnRxuMdBWQclKmhUpM28gxaSAUx__NtLRMLW1vfTsdgC78WUCqHw_aem_MsPuql_6NFryLzdZ8v52Iw]
Organizers and Partners
- HerNet Fine Arts Team:
- Chief Curator: Alisha Pradhan
- Head of Strategy & Sustainability: Sabyasachi Paul
- Art Executive & Designer: Mir Ashiqul Haque
- Cinematographer: Md Shafi Ahmad Shah
- Head of IT: Harun Ur Rashid
- Contributing Patron of Tribute Segment
- Hasan A. Khondoker | Managing Director, Geoblocks Ltd
- Shafiqul Islam | Chairman, Continental Group
- Sarwar N. Chowdhury | COO, Nupami BD Ltd. | Porcelanosa Bangladesh
- Durjoy Rahman | Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation