Experts call for appointing curators for art exhibitions

Experts have called for appointing curators for the national and international level exhibitions for improving the quality of such exhibitions held in the country. Otherwise, they believe, such exhibitions will never attract interest of the viewers and participants.

Such opinion emerged in view of the arrangement of yet another 'stereotypical' exhibition—the ongoing 19th National Art Biennale organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at the National Art Gallery.

Exhibition curators, also known as art curators, are appointed for standard exhibitions across the world to select the theme and concept for the exhibitions and participants as well. They also functions like facilitators in case of nurturing promising artists.

Eminent artist Rafiqun Nabi, who was a member of the jury committee of the ongoing national art exhibition, said, 'Exhibition curators could help making the exhibitions well organized and well focused.'

Since there is no curator to look after the national art biennale, renowned artist Dhali Al Mamoon said the exhibition has not much variation required for a prestigious exhibition. 'Appointment of a curator is very important for arranging an important show like the Asian Art Biennale.  Without the guidance of a curator or a group of curators such exhibitions will never be able to attain a niche in the international art arena,' said Dhali.

Supplementing Mamoon, acclaimed sculptor Lala Rukh Selim said, 'In the global context our art arena yet remains disorganised because we don't have such curators.' 

Agreeing with the observations of the experts, Mushfique Ahmed Shamim, director of the department of Fine Arts of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, said, 'Appointment of the curators for the biennales is under consideration of the government.'

Considering the demand for exhibition curator a necessity, Bengal Foundation managing director Luva Nahid Chowdhury said, 'We hope that art curators will be appointed for holding exhibitions at Bengal Gallery.'

Dhaka Art Centre trustee Nisar Hossain said, 'We organised a few exhibitions under the guidance of curators.'

Source: New Age