The 14th Kibria Printmaking Fair concluded on May 9 at Kala Kendra in Lalmatia, Bangladesh, as part of a month-long printmaking festival running from May 1 to May 23. The fair brought together printmaking studios and institutions from across the country, alongside works by pioneering late artists Safiuddin Ahmed and Mohammad Kibria. It was inaugurated by artists Rafiqun Nabi and Monirul Islam, with a special exhibition titled "Pioneers of Printmaking" showcasing early works by key figures who established printmaking as a distinct artistic language in Bangladesh. The festival also includes workshops, artist talks, and a forthcoming "Contemporary Printmaking Exhibition" from May 12 to May 23.
The fair matters because it addresses the underrepresentation of printmaking in Bangladesh's art scene, making the medium more accessible to the public and attracting younger and middle-class collectors through affordable pricing. By celebrating both historical pioneers and contemporary practitioners, the event helps sustain and evolve a distinct artistic tradition, creating opportunities for emerging artists and fostering wider appreciation beyond conventional gallery spaces.