An amazing seven-day ceramic workshop kicks off at the ceramics department of Dhaka University, showcasing the rich traditions of Delft ceramics from the Netherlands alongside Bangladeshi art. Titled “Bridging Cultures Clay,” this workshop, organized by the Kingdom of the Netherlands embassy in Bangladesh, Art Bangla Foundation, and the DU ceramics department, aims to foster cultural exchange and collaboration.
Curated by Harun ar Rashid Tutul from the graphic design department, the workshop is led by associate professors Md Azharul Islam Sheikh and Swapan Kumar Sikder, with support from their colleagues Chinmaye Sikder Papy, Md Robiul Islam, Debashis Pal, and Md Subbir-Al Razy. Thirty-two students from the ceramics department are participating, eager to explore new techniques and artistic expressions.
The workshop features the famous Delft Blue style, known for its iconic blue and white designs, and encourages students to blend these techniques with local craftsmanship. This initiative not only highlights the beauty of Delft ceramics but also promotes the potential for ceramics as both an art form and a career in Bangladesh’s growing industry.
The event is inaugurated by Cor Stouten, First Secretary of the Netherlands embassy, alongside special guests including Professor Md Azharul Islam Sheikh, Namia Akhtar, and Professor Mohammad Eunus. Chinmaye Sikder Papy chairs the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of this collaborative effort in enhancing the skills of young ceramic artists.
The artwork created during this workshop will be displayed in an exhibition at Zainul Gallery in December, offering a glimpse into the fusion of Dutch and Bangladeshi artistic traditions. This workshop represents a significant step towards enriching the cultural landscape through clay.
