New Age | Rokeya Sultana’s printmaking workshop begins

A three-day printmaking workshop titled Impressions of Rokeya–2, conducted by eminent artist Professor Rokeya Sultana, began at Cosmos-Atelier71 at Cosmos Centre in Dhaka on Friday.

Director of COSMOS-Atelier71 Tehmina Enayet, executive editor of United News of Bangladesh Nahar Khan, artists, students and art enthusiasts were also present at the inauguration.

Speaking on the occasion, Tehmina Enayet said that Rokeya Sultana, who received the Ekushey Padak in 2025 for her contribution to painting, had long been closely associated with COSMOS-Atelier71, not only as an artist but also as a mentor and collaborator.

She said that the idea of organising the workshop emerged shortly after Rokeya’s return from abroad and was arranged within a very short time due to the enthusiastic response from participants.

Rokeya Sultana in her address, expressed gratitude to the organisers and participants.

She said that the workshop was designed particularly for those outside the formal printmaking discipline to introduce them to the creative possibilities of the medium.

Describing printmaking as a ‘search of the mind’, she highlighted the freedom of expression and experimentation the process allows.

During the workshop, Rokeya introduced participants to the collagraph process—a versatile printmaking technique where textured printing plates are created by attaching materials such as paper, fabric, leaves, sand, string and cardboard onto a rigid base.

The plates can be printed using both relief and intaglio methods, producing richly textured and expressive images.

Rokeya Sultana is a distinguished name in Bangladesh’s contemporary art scene. A former chairperson of the department of printmaking at the University of Dhaka, she has exhibited her works widely at home and abroad.

Her works are noted for strong narratives, sensual exploration and abstract compositions.

Artists Biren Shome, Anisuzzaman Anis and Bishwajit Goswami are introduced as special feature artists at the workshop.

Participating artists include Anukul Chandra Mojumder, Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, Rashed Kamal Russell, Rania Alam, Kamruzzoha Juton Chandra Roy, Toufikul Emon, Sadia Mizan and Puja Basak.

The workshop will continue until Sunday.