Paintings V/S Photographs

Halfway through my first solo photography exhibition at Radisson Blu Hotel Chittagong, I have realised a few things. The art scenario in Bangladesh is relatively new, and considering ‘photographs’ as an art form even more so.

My exhibition is monthlong and features 54 photographs from 10 countries, taken over a span of 6 years. The crowd so far, comprised of my friends and well wishers, and also the visitors/guests at the hotel.

When it comes to buying art pieces, there’s a trend to opt for paintings. Almost every home you visit in Bangladesh, you will find paintings hanging on the walls. Most of them are replicas of famous paintings, others very conventional depictions of rural village by local artists.

The idea of buying framed photographs is still new in Bangladesh, and almost non existent in Chittagong.

So why do people prefer paintings? Maybe they think a painting is a ‘creation’ whereas a photograph is a mere ‘pushing of the camera button’.Or they think a painting is unique, whereas a photograph can have multiple copies?

Lets have a discussion:) Write in the comment section if you are interested.