Our Artists

Darpon Art Foundation®
Celebrating Creativity Talent & Expression ,

Celebrating Creativity, Talent & Expression

At Darpon Art Foundation®, we are proud to represent a diverse group of talented artists — painters, sculptors, illustrators, and visionaries — who bring life, emotion, and imagination to their work. Each artist in our foundation contributes a unique voice to the global art community, reflecting culture, thought, and creativity through their creations.

Our artists have participated in national and international exhibitions, art symposiums, and workshops, sharing their passion with the world. Together, they form the heart of Darpon — a collective that celebrates artistic freedom and the power of visual storytelling.

Nadira Akter (Painter)

Founder and Chairman of Darpon Art Foundation

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

A visionary and passionate Painter with over 15 years of experience in both traditional and contemporary techniques. As the Founder and Chairman of Darpon Art Foundation (Govt. Reg. No. S-12462/2016), I am dedicated to the global promotion of fine arts through curated exhibitions, international symposiums, and educational workshops. I have consistently represented Bangladesh on the global stage, fostering cross-cultural artistic exchange and mentoring the next generation of artists.

PERSONAL DETAILS

EDUCATION & ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2015: BFA (Honors) in Drawing and Painting, Dhaka Art College.
  • 2010: Diploma in Fashion Designing, National Institute of Design (NID).
  • 2009: BFEA Pre-Degree, Dhaka Art College.
  • 2006: Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), South Point School & College.
  • 2004: Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Civil Aviation High School.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

  • 2024: The Leader Education Award – KPR, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
  • 2023: International Peace Award – South Asian Business Partnership, Pan Pacific Sonargaon.
  • 2023: The Leader Award – Photographers Dream BD, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

  • 2019: Still-Life 2019, Solo Painting Exhibition, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • 2015: Solo Painting Exhibition, Istanbul, Turkey.
  • 2014: Solo Painting Exhibition, Lisbon, Portugal.
  • 2014: Solo Painting Exhibition, Thessalonika, Greece.
  • 2011: Dream & True, Drik Gallery, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

ORGANIZED & CURATED EVENTS

  • 2017: 2nd Darpon International Art Convention, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
  • 2016: 1st Bangladesh Art Symposium, Istanbul, Turkey.
  • 2015: Amateur Art Convention, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
  • 2014: Art Symposium December 2014, Cox’s Bazar (Darpon Art Foundation).
  • 2014: Personage of Egyptian Vision, Alliance Française de Dhaka.
  • 2013: Children’s Dream Painting Exhibition.

GROUP EXHIBITIONS (SELECTED)

  • 2025: Celebration of Cards (20 Years), Collaboration with Pacoli, New York, USA.
  • 2024: My Language My Pride, International Group Exhibition, Safiuddin Shilpalay, Dhaka.
  • 2023: KPR Art Exhibition, Jamuna Future World & Simec Auditorium, Dhaka.
  • 2020: South Asia Friendship Exhibition, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
  • 2018: 21st Young Artists Exhibition, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
  • 2018: Dhaka Art Summit, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
  • 2018: Group Art Exhibition, ICCR Gallery, Kolkata, India.
  • 2016: 1st International Watercolor Biennale, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
  • 2015: Encounter-6, Istanbul, Turkey.
  • 2013: Rhythm of Xylography, Cosmos Gallery, Dhaka.
  • 2013: Group Art Exhibition, National Art Gallery, Nepal.

ART CAMPS & WORKSHOPS

  • 2023: Wings of Wind Art Camp, Gazipur.
  • 2022: Nikhil Sristi: The Art of Inclusion, Art Story, Dhaka.
  • 2021: 50 Springs of Freedom, Gallery Cosmos & Hidden Her Foundation, Chattogram.
  • 2019: Passion of Drawing-2, Gallery Cosmos, Dhaka.
  • 2017: Bengal Sangskriti Utsab Art Camp, Bengal Foundation, Sylhet.
  • 2015: Jolrong Uthshob, Nokkhottrobari Art Camp, Gazipur.
  • 2014: International Workshops: Dusseldorf (Germany), Lusiberia (Spain), Thessalonika (Greece).
  • 2013: Wood Cut & Printing Workshops, Cosmos Gallery, Dhaka.
  • 2012: Painting on Poetry of Nature, Jahangirnagar University, Savar.

FUTURE MISSION

To continue elevating the presence of Bangladeshi contemporary art on the international stage. Through Darpon Art Foundation, I aim to create a sustainable ecosystem where artists can thrive, collaborate globally, and preserve the rich cultural heritage of our nation.

Vinita Karim

Painter

Profile Overview Having lived across three continents, Vinita Karim’s work is a vibrant tapestry of her global travels. From Mediterranean forts to the Red Sea, her landscapes are infused with abstraction and a celebratory use of color. Her paintings offer a dreamlike perspective of places both real and imagined. She maintains active studios in both Delhi and Dhaka.

Academic Record

  • 2007: Master of Fine Arts, University of Philippines.
  • 1981: Diploma in Fine Arts, Gerlesborg Art Institute, Stockholm.

Selected Solo Exhibitions

  • 2013: The Journey Continues, ArtnSoul Gallery, Mumbai.
  • 2012: Explore. Dream. Discover, Bengal Art Lounge, Dhaka.
  • 2010: Tripoli in Transit, Casa Lounge, Libya.
  • 1998: A Colourful World, Drik Gallery, Dhaka.

Shubho Saha

Painter

Overview: A specialist in Printmaking, Shubho Saha’s artistic philosophy centers on uncovering the hidden symmetries of nature. His work transitions from the figurative to deep abstraction, seeking the “inner self” of his subjects.

Background & Achievement

  • Education: MFA in Printmaking (2007) from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University.
  • International Awards: Winner of the China Sichuan Award (1996) and the Sand Sculpture Grand Prize (2009).

Global Reach: His works have traveled to major galleries in Poland, China, Japan, Canada, and the USA.

Syed Iqbal

Painter

Profile Overview Syed Iqbal is an acclaimed freelance artist and illustrator currently based in Toronto. With a career spanning decades, his work has been featured in over 60 solo, dual, and group exhibitions worldwide. He is highly regarded for his contributions to book cover design and graphic arts.

Academic Background

  • 1990: Diploma in Fine Arts, Platt Graphic and Art College, California.
  • 1995: Advanced Painting Residency, Bronfman Center, Montréal.

Recent Exhibitions

  • 2013: Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, Dhaka.
  • 2012: Promenada Gallery, Mississauga, Canada.
  • 2009: Robinson Studio Gallery, Toronto.

Awards

  • 2009: People’s Choice Award for Best Artist (MMM South Asian Festival).
  • 1990/96: Best Illustrator Awards, National Book Center, Dhaka.

Sarkar Nahid Niazi (Nipu)

Painter

Overview: Sarkar Nahid Niazi, popularly known as Nipu, is a contemporary freelance artist based in Dhaka. Since graduating in 1998, she has earned several accolades for her distinct painting style.

Top Awards

  • 2008: Media Best Award, 16th Young Artists Art Exhibition.
  • 2000: Recipient of the Royal Overseas League Travel Scholarship (UK).
  • 2001: Lucy Morrison Memorial Prize, UK.

Zihan Karim

Painter

Profile Overview Zihan Karim is a versatile audio-visual artist whose practice spans painting, sound, installation, and moving imagery. His work frequently investigates the intricate relationships between societal dynamics, spatial perception, and time. By utilizing monitors and physical objects, Karim bridges the gap between digital illusions and tangible reality. He is a founding member of ‘JOG Art Space’ and an alumnus of the University of Chittagong.

Academic Background

  • 2012: MFA & BFA (Painting), Institute of Fine Arts, University of Chittagong.

Prominent Group Exhibitions

  • 2016: Fragments of the Anthropocene, Bengal Art Lounge, Dhaka.
  • 2016: Samdani Art Award Exhibition, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
  • 2016: The Missing One (Curated by Nada Raza), Dhaka Art Summit.
  • 2015: Cheragi Art Show 3, Chittagong.
  • 2014: 16th Asian Art Biennale, Bangladesh; Fukuoka Asian Art Triennial, Japan.
  • 2012: International Short Film Festival, Bangladesh National Museum.

Recognition & Awards

  • 2012: Honourable Mention, 15th Asian Art Biennial, Dhaka.

Yasmin Jahan Nupur

Painter

Profile Overview Yasmin Jahan Nupur is a distinguished Bangladeshi artist known for her evocative paintings and performance pieces. Her work often touches upon heritage, identity, and social archives. She has been featured in prestigious international platforms, including the Venice Biennale and the Commonwealth Foundation programs.

Educational Qualification

  • 2000: MFA in Fine Arts (Painting), University of Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Notable Solo Shows

  • 2011: The Long Way Home, IBL Gallery, Mauritius.
  • 2006: Breakfast News, Alliance Française, Dhaka & Chittagong.

Exhibition Highlights (Group)

  • 2014: Readymade: Contemporary Art from Bangladesh, Aicon Gallery, New York.
  • 2013: Bangladesh National Pavilion, 55th Venice Biennale, Italy.
  • 2012: Freefall (Contemporary Drawings), Bengal Art Lounge, Dhaka.
  • 2011: State of Being So Divided, VM Gallery, Pakistan.

Awards & Fellowships

  • 2015: Residency Programme, Delfina Foundation, London.
  • 2013: Honourable Mention, 15th Asian Art Biennale, Dhaka.
  • 2010: Commonwealth Connection International Arts Residency.

Samina Nafies

Painter

Overview: Samina Nafies is both a practitioner and a scholar of fine arts. Her academic contributions include significant publications on the evolution of Surrealism and the technical reading of imagery.

Publications

  • Surrealism in Painting (2000)
  • Drawing and Reading of Pictures (2003)

Current Status: Serving as a Program Officer for Fine Arts at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy.

Wasim R. Kapoor

Painter

Profile Overview Wasim Kapoor is a master of capturing the “spiritual essence” within material reality. His artistry is defined by its ability to find profound beauty within pain, solitude, and the mundane. Renowned for his “Nudes” and “Burkha” series, Kapoor uses a minimalist yet haunting style to explore the human condition, particularly the emotional landscapes of women.

Educational Background

  • 1971: First Class Diploma in Fine Arts, Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship.

Key Solo & Group Exhibitions

  • Solo: Multiple shows in Kolkata (1969–2006).
  • Group: Wounds (CIMA Gallery), Brush Strokes from Bengal, and International Drawing Exhibition (Japan).
  • Global Presence: Featured in contemporary art showcases across Paris, Lyon, and Germany.

Honours

  • 1985: Shiromani Award (Asian Paints).
  • 1984: West Bengal Government Award.
  • 1980-83: All India Award, Academy of Fine Arts.

Tayeba Begum Lipi

Painter

Profile Overview Tayeba Begum Lipi is a powerhouse of contemporary South Asian art. Her installations and sculptures—often made from unconventional items like razor blades and safety pins—critique the violence and marginalization faced by women. She is also the co-founder of Britto Arts Trust, a vital platform for independent artists in Bangladesh.

Professional Highlights

  • Global Presence: Solo exhibitions in London, Istanbul, Delhi, and Dhaka.
  • Venice Biennale: Served as the commissioner for the Bangladesh Pavilion in 2011.
  • Awards: Grand Prize winner at the 11th Asian Art Biennale (2003).

Residency: Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin (2000).

Tejosh Haldar Josh

Painter

Profile Overview Born in 1982, Tejosh Haldar Josh is a Dhaka-based freelance artist specializing in sculpture. His work often experiments with form and movement, gaining recognition through various residencies and national biennials. He is an active member of the Britto Arts Trust.

Academic Path

  • 1995: BFA in Sculpture, Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.

Professional Milestones

  • 2007: Dual Contraction (Solo Exhibition), Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts.
  • 2006: Honourable Mention, 12th Asian Art Biennale, Dhaka.
  • Residency: Porapara Art Space, Chittagong (2005).

Syed Jahangir

Painter

Profile Overview A legendary figure in Bangladeshi modern art, Syed Jahangir was a prolific painter whose work celebrated the harmony between nature and humanity. His signature abstract style is noted for its rich use of ochre and blue tones. As a leader at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, he was instrumental in establishing the Asian Art Biennale.

Legacy & Awards

  • Prestigious Awards: Recipient of the Ekushey Padak (1985) and Sultan Padak (2004).
  • International Exposure: 1958 Ford Foundation Fellow (USA).
  • Contribution: Known for launching the national mobile art exhibition initiative.

Syed Hasan Mahmud

Painter

Overview: Born in 1958 in Dhaka, Syed Hasan Mahmud is a distinguished figure in the Bangladeshi art scene. His work often leans toward “Abstract Serenity,” seeking peace through form and color. Beyond his canvas, he is a prolific curator and art consultant, contributing significantly to the integration of art within architectural spaces.

Academic Qualifications

  • 1982: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drawing & Painting), Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
  • 1978: Pre-Degree, Bangladesh College of Arts & Crafts, Dhaka.

Solo Career Highlights

  • 2014: Abstract Serenity, Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, Dhaka.
  • 1996: Solo Exhibition at the Women’s Federation of Ikeda Cho, Gifu, Japan.
  • 1992–95: Featured shows at Alliance Française and La Galerie, Dhaka.

Professional Leadership & Roles

  • Current: Founder & Principal of Jhapi School of Art.
  • Consultancy: Art Consultant for SHATOTTO Architecture for Green Living.

Jury Service: Served on the jury for the 19th Young Artists’ National Art Exhibition.

Shulekha Chowdhury

Painter

Overview: Shulekha Chowdhury is a versatile artist with a strong foundation in Drawing and Painting. She is notably active in workshops and collaborative projects, often exploring the intersection between traditional crafts (like rickshaw painting) and fine arts.

Education

  • 2003: Master of Fine Arts, Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.

Collaborations & Workshops

  • Britto Arts Trust: Participated in various residency and miniature art workshops.
  • Shako Women Artists Association: Engaged in oriental art and female-led art initiatives.
  • Global Footprint: Featured in over 40 group exhibitions across South Asia, including Nepal, Myanmar, and India.

Salzar Rahman

Artist

Overview: Salzar Rahman is a multi-disciplinary creative whose work bridges the gap between architecture, film, and street art. He is the founder of Studio Bangi, a collaborative hub for film and innovative music videos.

Film & Animation Credits

  • Music Videos: Directed the ‘Kobe’ video for the band Nemesis.
  • Short Films: Creator of the animated short Bottola.
  • Initiatives: Administrator of SEE (School of Everything Else), an open forum linking art and science through street performance.

Shishir Bhattacharjee

Painter

Overview: Born in 1960, Shishir Bhattacharjee is a transformative figure in Bangladeshi art. He is renowned for his satirical approach to politics, utilizing cartoons and caricatures to critique social establishments. As a founding member of the “Shomoy” group, he catalyzed a “third wave” of alternative art in the 1980s.

Professional Standing

  • Teaching: Faculty member at the University of Dhaka; Guest Teacher at the Slade School of Art, London.
  • Style: His unique illustrative style has inspired a new generation of political cartoonists in the country.
  • Education: MFA from M S University of Baroda, India (1987).

Saeeda Kamal

Painter

Overview: Saeeda Kamal is a distinguished painter and a recognized Freedom Fighter of the 1971 Liberation War. Her artistic journey is marked by international residencies and a commitment to art education and traditional crafts.

International Training

  • USA: Residency at the Vermont Studio Center and landscape studies at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
  • India: Design certification from Kala Bhavana, Shantiniketan.

Roles & Honors

  • Recipient of the C-in-C’s Special Commendation for her wartime bravery.
  • Executive Member of the National Craft Council of Bangladesh.

Sabrina Mezzaqui

Painter

Overview: Representing the Italian contemporary scene, Sabrina Mezzaqui (born 1964) creates works that are deeply embedded in European public and private collections. Her practice is often collaborative, working with renowned galleries in Brescia and Paris.

Exhibition History

  • Italy: Featured at the Gallery of Modern Art (Bologna) and Palazzo delle Papesse (Siena).
  • International: Exhibited at the PS1 New York and MOCA Buenos Aires.

Education: Graduate of the Bologna Academy of Fine Arts (1993).

Sahid Kazi

Painter

Overview: Born in 1980, Sahid Kazi is celebrated for his portraits executed in mild impasto. His technique is often described as sensuous and evocative, capturing human emotion through textured surfaces.

Career Milestones

  • Education: Master’s degree (2009) from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
  • Scholarship: Awarded the Overseas League Visual Art Scholarship (UK) in 2008.
  • Current Status: Faculty member in the Department of Drawing and Painting, University of Dhaka.

Sufia Begum

Painter

Overview: Sufia Begum is an award-winning painter recognized for her contributions to the contemporary art movement in Bangladesh since the late 1990s. Her technical prowess has been acknowledged by several prestigious national institutions.

Key Recognitions

  • 1998: Recipient of the “Best Award for Painting” at the National Art Exhibition, Dhaka.
  • 1996–99: Multiple-time winner at the Berger Young Painter’s Competition.

Exhibition History

  • Frequent participant in the Asian Art Biennial and National Art Exhibition (1995–1999).
  • International presence includes the Kolkata Nandanik Painting & Sculpture Exhibition (1998).

Current Status: Lecturer in the History of Art at the Government Art College, Chittagong.

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Are you an artist looking to exhibit your work or be part of an inspiring community? Darpon Art Foundation® welcomes you to join our creative family and share your art with the world.

Darpon Art Foundation®

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