MONIRUL ISLAM

Monirul Islam is a distinguished Bangladeshi artist of international standing, best known for his refined mastery of printmaking and drawing.

Born in Chandpur, he studied at the Government Institute of Arts and Crafts (now the Faculty of Fine Arts), University of Dhaka, before moving to Spain in the late 1960s. There, he received advanced training at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid, where his artistic language matured within a global modernist context.

Monirul Islam’s work is marked by exceptional discipline, clarity of line, and a contemplative use of space. Primarily working in etching, drypoint, and mixed print techniques, he creates compositions that are minimal yet resonant, often evoking silence, balance, and inner reflection. His art avoids narrative excess, instead engaging the viewer through subtle abstraction, rhythmic geometry, and poetic restraint. Influenced by both Eastern philosophy and Western modernism, his works reveal a quiet dialogue between presence and absence.

Living and working in Spain for several decades, Monirul Islam has represented Bangladesh on numerous international platforms, contributing significantly to the country’s global artistic visibility. His works are housed in major public and private collections across Europe and Asia, and he remains one of the foremost ambassadors of Bangladeshi modern art abroad.

Accolades

• Commander Spanish Order of Merit (2018)

• Cross of Officer of the Order of Queen Isabella (2010)

• National Award of Spain, Calcografia Nocionale (1997)

• Ekushey Padak (1999)

• Bangla Academy Fellowship (2018)

• Zainul Sammanona (2018)

• S.M. Sultan Padak (2012)