The core concept that fuels an idea is its ability to interact and capacity to be interacted with. In today’s context, the concept of globalization brings an exchange of culture, a conversation between manifold narratives in presenting to the world as it is consumed. In this process, Art becomes the medium through which artists communicate their thoughts and reflecting of human interaction. This concept appears and translates from a canvas beyond the notions of aesthetic value into the importance of social and anthropological value. In a conversation with His Excellency Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, we discern the roles that art plays in a community shared between cultures and the interaction between nations as they share art and ideas. In this conversation, we unravel the significances of art in contributing to the system of diplomacy.

“When a diplomat of any country serves in a foreign land resorts to either fine or performance art for soft diplomacy. However, now I believe art has transcended beyond that of what culminates soft diplomacy in its traditional sense. Because of the growing recognition of art as the bearer of the identity of the people, art has played a critical role in breaking barriers and hierarchies. I believe beyond mathematics and engineering, creativity plays a critical role in the innovation of which the art fosters” he explained succinctly. In his aims to develop and engage diverse cultures of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, under the conceptual leadership of the Ambassador, The High Commission of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka recently co-hosted the Bangladeshi-Sri Lanka Art Exposition on December 9 at the Harold Pieris Gallery along with artist Chathuranga Biyagama which we found to be instrumental in beautifully merging two cultural landscapes.

The exhibition, of which ARTRA was an Official Partner, featured six contemporary Bangladesh artists of whom were Bishwajit Goswami, Sourav Chowdhury, Iqbal Bahar Chy, Kuntal Barai, Mong Mong Sho, and Arifa Sultana including five Sri Lankan artists, namely Jagath Ravindra, Chathuranga Biyagama, Chamila Gamage. Anuradha Punchihewa and Nisansala K. Rajapaksa. “The artworks illustrated the ways Bangladeshi art was rooted in centuries of artistic tradition across the land. At the same time, they also reflected on significant cultural and social factors of contemporary times” said the Ambassador. The Ambassador’s agenda of supporting interlink personalities between the two cultures is one that fosters the union. Through these expositions, The High Commission of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka supports the movement to open and contribute to opportunities within both worlds as they navigate the fields of contemporary art while developing each relationship.

An international arts exchange system is fundamental because it creates an environment for valuable cultural exchange offering the opportunity for deeper and prolonged commitment between artists. The Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Artist Exchange Program is one that nurtures this idea and concept. ARTRA, in partnership with the High Commission of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka intends to raise awareness of different cultures, promote social cohesion, and strengthen intercultural relations. 

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