A project of the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations (ifa, Germany) in cooperation with Universes in Universe





Chobi Mela VII
International Festival of Photography, Bangladesh, 2013
February 2013Since its inception in 2000, Chobi Mela International Festival of Photography has aimed at exploring the semiotics of present-day photographic practice in a broad international context, to bring about an understanding of the medium both within the industry and amongst the public at large.
The theme for Chobi Mela VII this year is Fragility, and it presented the creative work of established as well as hitherto unknown photographers. The multi-faceted festival was launched on 25 January 2013. The festival brought together print and digital presentations that challenge the traditional perceptions of art reaching out to the public through gallery, open-air/unconventional locations and mobile touring exhibitions. Parallel to the exhibitions there were workshops, discussions, seminars and lectures initiating debates and discussions on issues central to contemporary photographic practice.
In keeping with the ethos of Drik, Chobi Mela has always symbolised a struggle against hegemony and oppression. The past festivals, thematically addressed Differences, Exclusion, Resistance, Boundaries, Freedom and Dreams gave an opportunity to fine art photographers, conceptual artists and photo journalists, to explore social inequality, in its myriad forms.
The festival featured:
33 Solo Print Exhibitions
Digital presentations
Workshops
Portfolio review
Discussions/Seminars/Lectures
Presentations by Picture Libraries/Agencies
Review of image-related publications/Book launches
Publication ceremony
Film screenings
Video conferences
Lifetime Achievement award
Exhibition Venues: Alliance Fran?aise de Dhaka, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bengal Gallery, Dhaka Art Center, Drik Gallery, Lichutola-Dhaka University.

 
International Festival of Photography
Bangladesh
25 January – 7 February 2013
Theme: Fragility
Artists from 23 countries
Chobi Mela
Drik Picture Library Ltd.
House 58, Road 15A (New)
Dhanmondi Residential Area
Dhaka 1209
Bangladesh
Website / Email
Founder and Director:
Shahidul Alam

Bangladesh: Articles in Nafas Art MagazineBangladesh: Artists in Nafas and UiU

 
See also:
Shahidul Alam
The man who has transformed the face of photography in Bangladesh. About his series Migrant Soul. By Fariha Karim, April 2009
Chobi Mela IV
International Festival of Photography, Bangladesh 2006, organized by Drik and partners. By Fariha Karim, November 2006
Chobi Mela III
International photofestival in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Organized by Drik Picture Library Ltd. and partners. By Haupt & Binder, December 2004
Drik
Socially committed organization: Photo agency, gallery, festivals, publications, educational work, etc. By Haupt & Binder, October 2003