Watch, Listen, Read

Ordinary girl | in conversation with cristina nuñez

“We live in an age of selfies,” but Spanish photographer Cristina Nuñez delves deeper, using self-portraits as self-therapy. From heroin addiction and depression, she explored extreme emotions—rage, despair, terror, and euphoria—through photography. In conversation, she reveals how her “extreme life” connects to her rigid, fascist ancestry and how expressing vulnerability becomes a strength, transforming “shit into diamonds.” Differentiating self-portraits from curated selfies, Nuñez’s exhibition “But Beautiful” at Chobi Mela VII showcases her introspective journey, turning raw, human emotions into art.

Senses beyond vision: in conversation with Mahbubur rahman, guest curator of Chobimela VIII

Britto Arts Trust’s Mahbubur Rahman, guest curator for Chobi Mela, infuses the traditionally medium-centric festival with a multidisciplinary approach. He champions immersive photographic installations that engage all senses, aiming for a psychological shift in viewers. Rahman curates contrasting exhibits by Abdollah Heidari and Alexandra Serrano at Britto, designing a journey of consecutive emotional shocks. He sees Chobi Mela bridging the gap between fine arts and photography, pushing boundaries with workshops and diverse media despite resource limitations.

Bridging mediums: conversation between an architect and a photographer

Chobi Mela VIII collaborates with notable Bangladeshi architect Salauddin Ahmed as a guest curator, exploring the synergy between architecture and photography. Ahmed seeks to create immersive experiences, pushing audience engagement beyond traditional viewing. He embraces budget limitations as creative catalysts, designing unique spaces for artists like Michel Le Belhomme and Dinesh Abiram, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue in Bangladesh’s art scene.

What i’ll never forget

On the eve of his 2001 walima, the author rushed to Drik Gallery for the sudden relocation of the “1971 The War We Forgot” exhibition from the National Museum. Curated by Shahidul Alam and Robert Pledge, this highlight of Chobi Mela I featured rare Liberation War photos by world-renowned photojournalists. Government censorship attempts forced an overnight shift, executed by dedicated volunteers fueled by their passion for photography and history.

Cristina nuñez brings the self-portrait experience® to Dhaka

Renowned Spanish artist Cristina Nuñez brings her transformative “The Self-Portrait Experience®” to Chobi Mela VIII. Through her exhibition “But Beautiful” and a three-day workshop, Nuñez introduces her self-therapeutic method, empowering individuals to explore vulnerability, identity, and inner conflict, turning personal pain into powerful art.

Shaping a vision with swapan parekh

Swapan Parekh, a pioneering Indian photographer, bridges documentary aesthetics with advertising. A World Press Photo winner, his “celebration of the ordinary” has graced major museums like Tate Modern. At Chobi Mela, he’ll lead a three-day workshop on “Shaping A Vision,” focusing on intimate observation, breaking predetermined project molds, and mastering print quality.

An interview with Graciela Iturbide

Graciela Iturbide, a celebrated Mexican photographer, found her calling after tragedy. Interviewed by Munem Wasif for Chobi Mela VII, she discusses her intuitive, poetic style, influenced by her mentor Manuel Álvarez Bravo and travels. From intimate portraits to landscapes, her work explores life, death, and connection, revealing a deeply personal artistic journey.

The most celebrated photo event in Asia gears up for another extravaganza

Chobi Mela VIII, starting January 23, 2015, promises its finest edition yet. Featuring 33 diverse exhibits across Dhaka, from established galleries to historic Old Dhaka locations, the festival explores “Intimacy” through global artists like Shirin Neshat and emerging talents. Expect a kaleidoscope of events, many live-streamed, including mobile rickshaw galleries reaching the public.

Graciela Iturbide: Artist talk @ Chobimela VII

Richard Billingham: Artist Talk@ Chobimela VII

About Us

Chobi Mela, the first festival of photography in Asia, is one of the most exciting ventures that Drik and Pathshala has initiated. The first Chobi Mela – International Festival of Photography was held in December 2000 – January 2001. It is the most demographically inclusive photo festival in the world and is held every two years in Dhaka.