Far from the chaos of city life, in the quiet village of Mohanganj, Netrokona, a young artist would lose himself in the simple delight of sketching. He wasn’t just drawing for the sake of it, he was discovering the world. He was born in Dhaka but raised in Mohanganj, and he is Nazmul Haque Bappy, an artist whose heart beats to the rhythm of nature itself. As a child, Bappy’s sketchbook wasn’t filled with random doodles, it was a canvas for his deepest passions.
His first masterpieces? The faces of two of Bangladesh’s most iconic figures—Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore—sketched purely from memory.
The talent was clear, but not always understood. Drawing in school notebooks often landed him in trouble, yet it was a small rebellion that would shape the course of his life.
But this young artist faced a significant challenge: his dreams of pursuing art weren’t immediately embraced by his family. Art, in a society that often values traditional careers, wasn’t seen as a stable path. Yet, he was determined. With a quiet resolve, he set his sights on the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, overcoming doubts and obstacles. And when he was finally admitted, his journey from passionate dreamer to respected artist had truly begun. Behind Bappy’s determination was an unshakeable source of strength—his mother. “Her inspiration has been instrumental in bringing me to where I am today,” he says, and it’s clear that her belief in him was the fuel that powered him through tough times.
His parents’ perspective on art slowly shifted, with his mother becoming his biggest supporter as his achievements piled up.
Bappy’s artistic journey began at Dhaka University, where he developed a passion for Oriental Art, especially watercolor painting. A Chinese Government Scholarship allowed him to deepen his exploration of traditional Chinese painting techniques, blending Eastern traditions to enhance his creativity. What sets Bappy apart is his unique perspective as a traveler and dreamer, capturing the soul of nature and people through his art.
In his work, nature is never just a backdrop, it’s the heartbeat of his art. “I try to understand the language of nature. Dry leaves, flowers, vines, mountains, oceans, shells, the sun, and the moon—all of these inspire and shape my work. ” he says.
And it’s this deep connection to the world around him that makes his paintings so striking. They speak not only of beauty but also of the passage of time, the cycles of life, and the emotional landscapes that mirror the ever-shifting natural world. Despite the challenges of being an artist in Bangladesh, where painting is often not seen as a sustainable career, Bappy has carved his own path. He’s faced the struggle of making a living from his art, and yet, he embraces these challenges.
Achieving any goal requires sacrifices and overcoming challenges,” he reflects, and his journey has been a proof of this truth
It’s these very struggles that have shaped him into the artist he is today.
Bappy’s work has earned him recognition both locally and internationally, with his paintings showcased in numerous exhibitions and his mastery of various mediums—watercolors, oil, acrylics, and Chinese ink—earning multiple awards, including the Annual Art Exhibition & Media Best Award at Dhaka University. Now an Assistant Professor in Fine Arts, Bappy shares his knowledge and passion with the next generation of artists. His classroom is a space for creative growth, where students are encouraged to discover their unique voices.
For him, teaching is as rewarding as painting, focusing on the joy of discovery and helping others find their own artistic path.
Nazmul Haque Bappy’s art connects people to nature’s rhythms and overlooked emotions, inviting reflection on the beauty in subtle details and quiet moments. His work inspires others to explore their own artistic journeys, driven by passion and a deep connection to nature. A quiet yet influential force, he reminds us that true beauty is felt, not just seen.
