If you are asked when was the last time you fed something to your soul, chances are very high that you will struggle to find the right answer.
The majority of the people will bend over backwards to recollect memories because the truth is they are so busy feeding their brain and stomach that taking some time out for the soul from their busy life feels like a mere luxury which they can’t afford.
Art is the food of the soul. An art museum is a distinct kind of museum that exhibits a wide range of artworks including paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, etc. In Bangladesh, however, most of the museums keep a separate art gallery for visitors.
The particular section of a museum that contains works that are similar in style, medium, time period, or by the artist is known as an art gallery. An art gallery, if not within a museum, is a smaller space for the exhibition of art, usually visual art.
“Art museums are my happy place. A place that never fails to soothe my soul,” happily says Sushmita Saha, a fresh graduate of the Department of Economics from the North South University.
“Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is my forever favourite detox place. I attend each and every art festival they organise. Not that I am a great connoisseur or I fathom all the displayed artworks, but staring at them for a while feels very soulful and comforting.”
Madhubanti Raya, a final year student of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka, strongly advocates the necessity of art museums in any city.
“Art can lay a long lasting impact on people and the society we are living in. The art museum is a bridge between people and artist who creates art. It is very momentous because human beings are hungry for new ideas and creativity which can be satisfied by different forms of art,” she elaborates.
A key reason to visit art museums frequently is that art unleashes one’s soul. As much as art captivates viewers' minds, it sets their souls free. A museum full of art is a place full of escape routes.
Life in cities is so hectic and tiring and people fall into toxic loops once in a while. It’s important to come out of those loops and begin with new positive energy. It’s important to look at life from a new perspective. Like Pablo Picasso said, “Art is the lie that enables us to realise the truth.”
Visiting museums can definitely help fuel your discussions at social gatherings. Whether it’s a new exhibit or a fascinating speaker, museums offer a variety of subjects to talk about, many of which transcend cultural boundaries.
Museums are conversation starters. You can meet like minds there and have a refreshing gossip after a long hectic working day as MrTanvir Ahmed does.
“I’ve joined my workplace in Dhaka recently where I have a few acquaintances. Since I live alone here, I often visit art galleries after the office hour to dive deep into the world of art,” shared the freshly joined Senior Officer at a government bank in Dhaka.
“Nevertheless, while exploring the world of art, I’ve also met several art-loving people there whom I contact regularly now. We often fix a particular day to visit a particular art gallery to indulge in some mindfuladda (gossip).”
It’s not a coincidence that there’s a ‘muse’ in ‘museum.’ A museum is a place of wonder, a place to ponder place to recharge, a plinth of inspiration. There’s knowledge even in the corridors of museums. The more it tells you the less you know.
