Artist Nadia Samdani on Developing the Art Scene in Dhaka

3 September 2021

For England-born, Dhaka-based art enthusiast Nadia Samdani, the time for Bangladesh is now. With growing business opportunities and emerging cultural significance, Samdani wants the world to see that there’s more to her country than what is often depicted in the news. Through her art foundation, a successful biennial, and a soon-to-open sculpture park, she plays a vital role in shaping the modern identity of Bangladesh’s capital.

Understanding Dhaka’s Unique Character

Not many people are familiar with Dhaka. How would you describe it in your own words?

To me, Dhaka is home. The recent developments have transformed young Dhaka into one of the busiest cities in the world. The chaos, characterized by traffic and noise, is invigorating. The energy and soul of the city can be felt everywhere, especially in vibrant marketplaces where one can easily become an audience to everyday performances—be it the flower seller, the vegetable stall hawker, or the rickshaw puller. There’s simply no comparison with other cities; it’s a living tapestry.

Dhaka Art Summit and Samdani Art Foundation

Tell us more about the work you’re doing with Dhaka Art Summit and the Samdani Art Foundation.

Bangladesh boasts a rich art scene, yet it often remains localized. Our foundation serves as a bridge connecting Bangladeshi art with the global art community. It operates on a non-commercial basis, showcasing the creativity of local artists and supporting international curators in their research efforts. Consequently, Bangladesh’s artistic presence is gaining recognition worldwide.

Success of the Dhaka Art Summit

What do you think has made the Dhaka Art Summit so successful?

The summit has truly become a landmark event in Dhaka’s cultural calendar. With nearly half a million attendees at our last nine-day edition, it has evolved into more than just an art event. The summit offers talks, workshops, film screenings, and performances, ensuring there’s something for everyone. We aim to create an inclusive environment, breaking free from the exclusivity often associated with the art world.

Excitement in Dhaka’s Art Scene

What are you really excited about in the art scene in Dhaka right now?

There are incredible young artists in Dhaka creating innovative and experimental works, often under challenging circumstances. Limited resources in terms of materials, studio spaces, and budgets foster resourcefulness and creativity. Despite the lack of a solid art infrastructure, the potential here is boundless.

Experiencing the Essence of Dhaka

After a day exploring the Dhaka Art Summit, where would you take visitors to show off what Dhaka is all about?

A visit isn’t complete without seeing the Parliament, a masterpiece by Louis Kahn. Afterwards, indulging in Bangladeshi cuisine is a must, especially hilsa fish, our national delicacy. We take pride in preparing it in various ways, particularly marinating it with mustard paste and frying it. For those with a sweet tooth, we’ll seek out pitha, a traditional rice flour pastry. Local pitha festivals abound during winter, offering a delightful tour of flavors from stall to stall.