US Ambassador sees strong Bangladesh–US cultural link through art

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Saturday highlighted the strong cultural link between Bangladesh and the US through art while attending an event honouring Ekushey Padak-winning artist Dr Rokeya Sultana at Gallery Cosmos in the capital.

He also praised the vibrancy and creativity of Bangladesh’s art scene and the role of cultural exchange programmes such as the Fulbright in strengthening ties between the two countries.

The event organised by Gallery Cosmos and House of Solis at Garden Gallery in Baridhara showcased artworks produced during the workshop at Cosmos Atelier71, bringing together artists, organisers and art enthusiasts to reflect on the learning and collaboration fostered during the programme.

Ambassador Brent T Christensen was the chief guest along with Deanne Dao (his wife).

Christensen thanked the organisers for arranging the event and said it was a pleasure to attend a gathering celebrating the acclaimed artist.

The envoy said he and his wife, Deanne Dao, have long admired Bangladeshi art and artists.

“My wife, Deanne, and I are very big fans of Bangladeshi art and the spirit and creativity of Bangladeshi artists going back to our previous time in Dhaka and reinforced in our not just over two months here.”

Christensen recalled that during an early visit to an art gallery in Dhaka, they noticed Dr Sultana’s work and were immediately drawn to it.

“And an early art gallery we visited, we noticed Dr Sultana’s work. We were both immediately drawn to it. And so much the better when we learned that she was in fact one of ours as well as a US alumnus, a Fulbright alumnus,” he said.

He said he was particularly excited to learn that the Bangladeshi artist completed her Fulbright programme at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he had also spent several years.

“So, It was really great to make that connection, to see her work further recognised. I was even more excited when I learned that she had done her Fulbright at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where we spent several years in Nebraska just prior to this return to Bangladesh.”

“But it's really tremendous to see, you know, continued vibrant art scene of Bangladesh to see events like this, bringing together artists, the printmaking workshops, the great work that Dr. Sultana is doing in teaching the next generation of artists. “

“That's one of the things where we like to see both the vibrant art scene but also the connection back to the US, back to the Fulbright, how our cultural ties can benefit both countries and the global art community. “

Speaking at the event, Nahar Khan, founder of House of Solis, the experiential partner for the event, highlighted the significance of the workshop and the artistic exchange it created.

“Over the past days, Professor Rokeya Sultana has led a workshop at Cosmos Atelier71, exploring printmaking and collography, sharing not only technical mastery but also the spirit of experimentation and courage that defines true artistic practice. The works you see exhibited here this evening are the result of that dialogue between mentor and artists – an exchange of ideas, technique, and imagination,” she said.

“We believe that art spaces must do more than exhibit works. They must create experiences, build community, and nurture the next generation of artists.”

She added, “This evening’s exhibition is therefore not only a presentation of works. It is a celebration of mentorship, knowledge sharing, and artistic continuity. Professor Rokeya Sultana’s work has travelled far beyond borders, yet it remains deeply connected to the artistic lineage of Bangladesh and to the pioneering spirit of institutions such as University of Dhaka - Faculty of Fine Arts.”

She said her Ekushey Padak recognition is a reminder that the arts are central to Bangladesh’s national identity and cultural imagination.

Nahar Khan expressed gratitude to Professor Rokeya Sultana for sharing her knowledge so generously, and to all the participating artists whose work fills this garden with energy and creativity.

Cosmos Gallery Director Tehmina Enayet, and organizer of the workshop, said the gallery and its studio have long aimed to create an active platform for artistic practice and collaboration.

“Through Gallery Cosmos, and our studio, Cosmos Atelier71, we have tried to create, not only an exhibition space, but also a working platform for artists. Atelier71, which has been active for almost two decades, has become a printmaking studio and creative hub where artists can experiment, learn, and collaborate,” she said.

The studio has hosted numerous workshops, art camps, and exhibitions, especially to encourage young artists and expand their possibilities of printmaking, said Tehmina Enayet.

“Over the years, our initiatives have extended beyond Bangladesh. Through residencies, exchange programs, and collaboration projects, we have welcomed artists and scholars from many parts of the world. Members of our artistic community have also engaged with important international platforms -- from exhibitions to global art fairs in cities such as Venice, Miami, New York, Singapore, Toronto, Kathmandu, Mumbai and more - helping position Bangladeshi art within a wider international conversation,” she added.

“At Gallery Cosmos we believe that art is a language that transcends geography, politics, and culture. Artists are often the ambassadors of a nation’s creativity and imagination. This is why today’s exhibition is so meaningful. “

Professor Rokeya Sultana has not only shared her expertise in printmaking and collography, but she has also inspired artists to explore and experiment, she said. “We are grateful to her for her generosity, her mentorship, and contribution to the arts of Bangladesh.”

She also extended special thanks to freedom fighter and eminent artist Biren Shome and several others including Anisuzzaman Anis, Sheikh Mohammad, Rokonuzzaman, Fariha Zeba, Bishwajit Goswami, Anukul Chandra Majumder, Shohag Parvez, Rashed Kamal Rasel, Rania Alam, Kamruzzoha, Juton Chandra Ray, Toufiq Emon, Sadia Mizan, Pooja Basak and Sharmin Shahriar.

In her remarks, Professor Rokeya Sultana expressed gratitude to the organisers and reflected on the importance of artistic mentorship.

Reflecting on her artistic journey, she said sharing knowledge has always been an important part of her work.

“Throughout my artistic journey and career I have always tried to share my knowledge and techniques with others - through workshops, universities, and artistic communities around the world. Because art does not need any special language nor does it have boundaries. Art connects people beyond geography and culture.”

She also praised the young artists who participated in the workshop.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen also presented a crest to Professor Rokeya Sultana at the event.

Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, former foreign minister to the caretaker government, and Ambassador Farooq Sobhan, longtime patron of the arts, also attended the event.