For the first time, an Irish artist has staged a solo exhibition in Bangladesh. Oona Hyland's show, titled "An Duanaire: Visual Poems of the Dispossessed", opened Tuesday at the Garden Gallery in Baridhara, marking a milestone in cultural exchange between Ireland and Bangladesh.

Organised jointly by Gallery Cosmos and the Embassy of Ireland under the Ireland–Bangladesh Art Exchange Programme, the residency aims to strengthen artistic dialogue and deepen cultural ties. The exhibition will continue at Gallery Cosmos, Cosmos Centre, from November 5 to 27, open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.

At the inauguration, Ireland's Ambassador to Bangladesh (based in New Delhi), Kevin Kelly, praised Hyland's pioneering residency. "Oona Hyland is spending three weeks in Dhaka for an artistic cultural exchange—the first Irish artist to do it," he said. "Though we have no embassy in Bangladesh, we share a long history of partnership, development cooperation, and business. We hope to grow this relationship."

Kelly also highlighted that the project embodies Ireland's commitment to collaboration through printmaking. "During her time in Dhaka, Oona will explore how art connects memory, healing, and collective reflection. Inspired by Tagore's vision of creativity as a moral and spiritual force, her work will focus on Bangladesh's history and artistic resilience."

Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh Masud Khan, who hosted the event, commended Hyland's dedication. "At first, I was a little worried about timing," he said. "But thanks to Oona's tireless work, everything came together beautifully. She's incredibly hardworking, humble, and warm—and everyone here has said so."

Khan, who also serves as Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group, emphasised the importance of supporting artists. "It's crucial to give artists stability so they can develop their practice and innovate. Ireland is leading the way in this regard, and there's much we can learn from each other."

Hyland, a visual artist with over 25 years of professional experience, holds an MMA in Art Research and Collaboration (IADT) and an MPhil in Irish Art History (TCD). She has represented Ireland at exhibitions across South Korea, São Paulo, and most recently, the Venice Biennale (2024). A member of the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers (London), her practice spans experimental printmaking, sculpture, and installation.

Her ongoing series, "An Duanaire", explores the poetic dialogue between Ireland's rugged landscapes and Bangladesh's vibrant urban and cultural fabric. Created during her Dhaka residency, the work reflects on displacement, belonging, and creative transformation through shared human experiences.

Expressing gratitude, Hyland said, "I'm delighted to be the first Irish artist on this project. I hope I'm the first of many because there are huge connections between Bangladesh and Ireland. I've been blown away by the incredible skill and professionalism of the artists here."

She described Dhaka's art scene as "vibrant and inspiring," adding that her experience has been a profound exchange of ideas and emotion.

As "An Duanaire" continues its run, Hyland's work stands as a testament to how art can transcend geography—connecting histories, reimagining belonging, and redefining the shared language of creation.