Cartoons, as a form of artistic activism, speak the language of time. They highlight contemporary political events and societal absurdities, often at great personal risk to the artists. Despite the former AL-led government's attempts to instil fear during the anti-discrimination student movement, the people's resolve only grew stronger. Cartoonists were no exception, capturing the then government's atrocities—murders, repression, and abductions—in powerful images that spread like wildfire across social media. These cartoons became the movement's fuel, igniting further resistance.

Mustafa Monwar, lovingly known as Bangladesh's "Puppet Man," has been a towering figure in the country's artistic and cultural landscape. Born on September 1, 1935, Monwar’s contributions to puppetry, painting, visual arts, and television have made him a symbol of creative freedom and expression.

The finest characteristic of Amitab’s paintings is that they invoke emotions and create a chain of thoughts. His artworks speak of his commitment to proportions and balance. His imagination comes alive through the colours and textures of his canvases. Calm and chaos both exist in his works harmoniously. According to the curator, the artist orchestrates atemporal, and spatial configurations with deliberate and methodical approaches and they align with the aesthetics of the abstract. 

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) is currently hosting “Beyond the Gaze”, showcasing a profound exploration of intimacy, identity, and isolation through the lens of emerging photographers and artists. The exhibition features works from the PSA: Beyond the Gaze 2023–2024 workshop, an initiative supported by Photo South Asia under the MurthyNAYAK Foundation, and partnered with AFD and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Delhi, India.

The centre, which had been closed since the beginning of Ramadan for repairs, welcomed audiences last Friday (August 30). The South City Corporation initiated the renovation in the second week of March, addressing several issues, including malfunctioning air conditioning and lifts, as well as other technical faults.

“Gum Jaan o Joban” is a powerful tribute to the families affected by enforced disappearances, brought to life through the lens of artist Mosfiqur Rahman Johan. Over the course of three years, Johan immersed himself in the lives of these families, documenting their grief, resilience, and the haunting absence of their loved ones

Kafka's “The Metamorphosis”, published in 1915, remains one of the most unsettling yet profound explorations of alienation and existential dread. The novella's iconic opening—“One morning, Gregor Samsa wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect”—sets the tone for a story that delves deep into the absurdity of human existence and the crushing weight of societal expectations.

Today, August 27, marks the 48th death anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, a day of reflection and tribute across the nation. Among the many commemorations, Desh Natok, a prominent theatre group, will stage two plays at the Bangladesh Mahila Samiti to honour the legendary poet.

On Sunday, the veteran couple, known for contributing to Bangladesh's cultural landscape, released a deeply resonating joint statement, passionately appealing to their fellow cultural workers to rise to the occasion, “We appeal to all cultural activists—our country is in the grasp of a severe disaster. The most catastrophic flood in recent memory has endangered millions of lives.

The capital's theatre community has come together to support flood victims, with troupes such as Ethic, BotTola, and Anuswar deciding to donate the proceeds from their performances to aid those affected by the disaster.

Marking the 31st death anniversary of legendary playwright and director Utpal Dutt on August 19, the Dhaka-based theatre troupe Ethic will honour his memory by staging one of his most celebrated plays, “Hari Phatibe”. The play's 83rd performance will take place on August 24 at 7pm at the Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium of Bangladesh Mahila Samity.

Theatre troupe BotTala is celebrating its 16th anniversary, marking over a decade of contributions to Bangladesh's theatre scene. Since its debut on August 27, 2008, BotTala has staged numerous acclaimed productions, including “Crutcher Kornel”, “Shokhi Rongomala”, “Khona”, “Rise and Shine”, “Soho Te Marx”, “Bannyatherium”, and “Jatugriha”.

Selim Al Deen, perhaps the most celebrated name of Bangladeshi theatre in the post-Rabindranath era, was born on August 18, 1949. The playwright, fondly called Natyacharya, is credited with ushering in a new era in our theatre scene through his plays and extensive research in the field.

Political cartoons played a pivotal role in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, transforming the revolution with artistic brilliance and courage.

Neatly curated by veteran ASM Rezaur Rahman, even without a single line of caption on the gallery walls, one could effortlessly relate to the silent yet atmospheric reverberation of the photographs. These images adorning the gallery's walls capture snippets of life in Bangladesh, from recaps of resilience to the messes we've created, depicting lives that go on but also leave questions.

Theatre activists and practitioners have called for an investigation into allegations of corruption, nepotism, misconduct, and political bias against Liaquat Ali Lucky, the former director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy who has recently resigned.

On Monday (August 12), Lucky submitted his resignation to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, as confirmed by Salahuddin Ahmed, Secretary of the Shilpakala Academy. The resignation was submitted via WhatsApp, the secretary informed The Daily Star.

Chobir Hat, a longstanding hub for students and progressives, reopened after a decade-long closure, symbolising much more than a physical space—it embodies a cultural spirit. The inaugural concert of the “newly independent Bangladesh”, titled “Awaaz Uda-Kotha Ko”, has recently taken place at Chobir Hat in Suhrawardy Udyan.

Eminent photographer, activist, and journalist Shahidul Alam, who has established himself as a force of integrity, is also someone who is profoundly revered by the informed populace. Today, however, his red bicycle was stolen when he attended the event “Shrishtir Shadhinotay Shahoshi Bangladesh” (Brave Bangladesh for freedom of art) at Central Shaheed Minar.

With every brushstroke, SM Sultan brought the rural landscape and the essence of nature to life, capturing their beauty with unparalleled vividness.