In June 2015, I began learning French at the Alliance Française in Chittagong, where I took part in cultural programs and several exhibitions featuring guest artists from France and Bangladesh. In March 2018, I completed a two-month residency at the Institut Supérieur des Beaux-Arts de Besançon (ISBA). This experience inspired me to pursue further studies in France. However, studying in France required proficiency in the French language and presented significant psychological and financial challenges.
After earning my master’s degree, I gained two years of professional experience (from September 2016 to September 2018) by working at the International Hope School Bangladesh and the Alliance Française in Chittagong. Dr. Selvam Thorez, the former director of the Alliance Française in Chittagong, supported me in the administrative processes for participating in residency programs and securing a scholarship.
In 2018, I joined the Institut Supérieur des Beaux-Arts de Besançon, where I began the second year of the Diplôme National d’Art (DNA), which I completed in 2020. In 2022, I earned the Diplôme National Supérieur d’Expression Plastique (DNSEP), also from the Institut Supérieur des Beaux-Arts de Besançon.
Throughout these years, I explored a wide range of artistic techniques, both in traditional and contemporary art, including sketching, watercolor, painting, printmaking, installation, and performance art.
During my studies at the ISBA, I took part in several study trips to cities such as Essen, Vienna, Bolzano, Verona, Zurich, Como, Basel, and the island of Elba. These journeys allowed me to visit numerous museums, including the Folkwang Museum in Essen, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, the Kunstmuseum Basel, the Fondation Beyeler, the Consortium Museum, and the GTA Archive.
From October 2020 to March 2021, I had the opportunity to spend six months on an Erasmus exchange at the Academy of Fine Arts in Dresden, Germany (HFBK), where I worked under the guidance of sculptor Carl Emanuel Wolff. I also attended theoretical courses on Romantic art and German Expressionism. Although many classes and exhibitions were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was fortunate to form friendships with other international students living in my dormitory.
During my time in Dresden, I learned engraving and typography techniques from artists Hanif Lehmann and Christine Wahl. This experience not only enriched my artistic practice but also allowed me to immerse myself in different cultures while remaining in Germany.
In 2022-2023, I earned a professional degree in Exhibition Professions and Information Technology from the University of Franche-Comté in Besançon. This program included a three-month internship, where I applied my knowledge in art history, archaeology legislation, guiding techniques, and other related fields.
My internship at the Municipal Museum of Pontarlier and the Château de Joux provided me with the opportunity to put these skills into practice in a professional setting. This experience allowed me not only to pursue my passion for the subjects covered by the museum but also to enhance the value of this historical site for a diverse audience while meeting the museum’s objectives.
This was my first true immersion into the working world, with its constraints, hierarchies, schedules, and responsibilities. The experience proved to be incredibly rewarding. Beyond the daily tasks, I received constructive feedback that significantly strengthened my professional outlook and maturity.
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Cultural mediation is a fascinating field where students play a key role in implementing initiatives that promote interaction and understanding between different cultures. Located near the Swiss border, Pontarlier attracts visitors from Switzerland, Germany, and, due to the influence of Toussaint Louverture, even from Haiti.
During this internship, I explored the long-term management of a museum site, where the dynamics largely depend on individual efforts to animate this place of memory. I had the opportunity to work with a diverse audience, welcome visitors, create educational materials for students of all levels, and prepare activities for the European Museum Days 2023, as well as a temporary exhibition dedicated to Pierre Bichet.
This internship, with its 7-hour workdays and 5-day workweeks, provided me with a comprehensive and varied experience. It allowed me to develop different working methods, each requiring a commitment of time, creativity, and efficiency. Thanks to the heritage service of the City Hall, which initiates numerous heritage and cultural projects, I was able to contribute to a rich entertainment offering for both local and international visitors.
Humanities Degree
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities at the University of Rennes 2, I am specializing in Classical and Modern European Cultures. This program enriches my knowledge in European history, literature, and art history. I am deeply convinced that our cultural differences are the driving force behind creativity. In a constantly evolving world, my goal is to use my experiences as a creator and my knowledge to foster the sharing and discovery of other artists. I aim to help them amplify their voices and gain recognition.
Why I Chose This Degree
To clarify why I chose to apply to the University of Rennes 2 and what I have discovered during this course:
After obtaining my professional degree in Exhibition Professions and Information Technology (LP METI), I faced crucial decisions regarding the future direction of my career. I was torn between pursuing a degree in art history or modern literature. The prospect of working in a museum after graduation resonated with my previous experiences. I had a particular interest in roles such as collection manager, curator, and exhibition organizer. However, I realized that to achieve my professional and artistic goals, it was essential to deepen my understanding of art history, particularly European history. That is why I chose to enroll in the program at the University of Rennes 2, knowing it would be beneficial for my future endeavors.
This reformulation clearly distinguishes the initial motivations for enrolling in university and the discoveries made during the training.
My Expectations for This Year
My expectations for this year are multifaceted. I chose this program for its broad perspective on the art world and the numerous career opportunities it offers within the cultural sector. By enrolling in the Humanities degree, my goal was to refocus my professional project while benefiting from technical training centered on the execution of concrete projects. The coursework in ancient art, art history, contemporary art, and literature has been crucial aspects of the program that have greatly enriched my knowledge and skills.
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This year, I eagerly anticipate deepening my knowledge and earning new academic distinctions. Additionally, I aim to apply my studies and skills to the fields of art and culture, contributing meaningfully to these areas.
Courses
This year’s course offerings are diverse, covering a range of topics and issues with a significant focus on theoretical courses, which represent a new approach for me. Among them, I have delved into subjects such as sacred and profane culture in medieval Western society, Greek literature and civilization, Latin literature and civilization, dissertation methodology, general and comparative literature, general French literature, ancient history, the “oui-si” framework, remediation in eloquence, mastery of French, contemporary Italian civilization, and visual culture.
Most of these theoretical courses have deepened my understanding of art history, particularly European medieval art.
Teachers
One of the great strengths of this year in the Humanities program is the diversity and breadth of the courses offered. The intersection of the various subjects taught by university faculty provides a range of complementary perspectives.
