Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport, in collaboration with Bhumi Gallery, has introduced a specially curated series of watercolour paintings that highlight the natural beauty and artistic legacy of Bangladesh. The event, hosted at Connexions, was well-attended by representatives from the diplomatic circle, business executives, art enthusiasts, and members of the local creative community, fostering discussions on culture, travel, and community engagement.
The collection comprises artworks crafted by 27 talented Bangladeshi artists during a six-day art camp titled “Jolronge Rupashi Bangla” held in Jamalpur. These exquisite pieces will be showcased in the hotel’s guestrooms, presenting both local and international visitors with a glimpse of Bangladesh’s scenic rivers, villages, and pastoral landscapes.
The project stemmed from an artist residency-style camp organized by Bhumi Gallery, wherein artists spent days immersed in Jamalpur’s natural surroundings, capturing the essence of the landscape through watercolour interpretations. Saifur Rahman Lenin, the founder and CEO of Bhumi Gallery, expressed that the initiative aimed to re-establish the connection between artists and the country’s rural splendor, culminating in a collection that embodies Bangladesh’s visual essence.
Participation in the camp was open to 27 artists, each contributing multiple pieces. The selection process ensured the inclusion of at least one artwork from every artist, resulting in a diverse visual narrative shaped by various artistic viewpoints. Notable among the participants was Sadek Ahmed, an alumnus of the Faculty of Fine Arts, who presented a series of artworks spanning plein-air paintings to more abstract landscapes, inspired by observations and photographs taken during the camp.
Lenin emphasized that showcasing these artworks in an international hospitality setting broadens the initiative’s reach beyond traditional art audiences, allowing guests to experience Bangladesh through the artists’ eyes. This collaboration aligns with Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport’s commitment to infuse local culture into the guest experience.
Ashwani Nayar, Area General Manager of IHG Southwest Asia and Cluster General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport and InterContinental Dhaka, emphasized the hotel’s intention to go beyond mere art display, creating a platform where artists feel acknowledged and encouraged. Nayar highlighted that hospitality spaces serve as ideal venues to introduce Bangladesh’s art and culture authentically to a global audience.
The unveiling event encouraged guests to interact directly with the artworks and delve into the stories behind them, fostering a deeper appreciation for the pieces. As these paintings find their place throughout the hotel, the art collection not only serves as a visual spectacle but also acts as a cultural emissary, bridging rural Bangladesh’s landscapes with visitors worldwide, showcasing the storytelling prowess of art.
[Photograph by Abrar Faiyaz Niloy]