HerNet Fine Arts organized an “Art for Peace” live-painting camp at the Embassy of the Holy See in Dhaka, hosted by H.E. Archbishop Kevin S. Randall, Ambassador of the Holy See. Ms Paola Belfour, spouse of the Italian Ambassador and an accomplished Ikebana artist, attended as the special guest, sharing insights on the meditative discipline of floral art and its dialogue with painting.
The camp brought together a distinguished lineup of Bangladeshi artists: Al-Akhir Sarker, Jahangir Hossain, Laila Sharmeen, Manashi Banik, Najib Tareque, Nawaz Ahmed, Rasel Rana, Ratnashwar Sutradhwar, Sadek Ahmed, Sanjib Das Apu, Shahin Sobhona Suravi, Soikat Hossain, Swapna Virginia Cruze, Umme Habiba Sumi, and Zannat Keya. Throughout the day, artists created new works on site, exchanged techniques, and engaged guests, diplomats, and young art enthusiasts in open conversation.
Speaking as convener, Alisha Pradhan, Chief Curator of HerNet Fine Arts, said the camp’s significance lies in “building a bridge between creativity and diplomacy.” She noted, “Art carries moral courage—it softens differences, restores dignity, and gives communities a shared language of peace. Our goal is to open embassies, museums, and universities to Bangladeshi artists, expand artist residencies, and ensure fair exposure for women and emerging creators.”
Host Archbishop Kevin S. Randall welcomed the artists and emphasized the Holy See’s long tradition of engaging the arts to advance harmony. “Art is a language of peace that all can understand,” he said. “By gathering painters and patrons in fellowship, we affirm the dignity of every person and the hope that beauty inspires.” Special guest Paola Belfour added that Ikebana’s balance of line, space, and silence mirrors the quest for harmony that underpins both interfaith friendship and artistic collaboration.
Organizers highlighted the event’s broader impact: strengthening cultural diplomacy, fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue, creating market and exhibition pathways for Bangladeshi artists, and mentoring youth through hands-on exposure to professional practice. The works produced at the camp will inform future embassy showcases and community outreach under the HerNet Fine Arts “Art for Peace” series, which aims to foster the arts and bridge the world for Bangladeshi artists.