Sheikh Afzal Hossain, one of Bangladesh’s most well-known realist painters, is an artist who has dedicated his career to capturing the beauty and simplicity of rural life. Born in the small town of Jhenaidah in southwestern Bangladesh, he grew up surrounded by green fields, rivers, and the peaceful pace of village life. These early experiences left a lasting impact on him and have deeply influenced his work
. His paintings often focus on everyday people, especially women and children, showing them in their natural environments.
These simple yet powerful subjects continue to inspire him throughout his career.
Afzal Hossain’s path as an artist began at the College of Art and Crafts in Dhaka, where he studied under some of the country’s most respected artists, such as Mohammad Kibria, Abdul Baset, and Rafiqun Nabi. Their guidance and support helped him sharpen his skills and develop his unique style. Even though he was learning in a city far from the countryside, his love for rural life remained central to his artistic vision.
In 1983, he was awarded a scholarship to study at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, where he pursued a master’s degree in fine arts. The time he spent in Japan exposed him to new techniques and artistic traditions, which added depth to his work. After finishing his studies, Afzal Hossain returned to Bangladesh, where he joined the College of Art and Crafts as a faculty member. He became not only a talented artist but also a dedicated teacher, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of artists.
Over the years, his work has been widely shown and recognized both in Bangladesh and internationally. His paintings have earned him several prestigious awards, including the NHK Sai Sha Sho in Japan (1992), Best Painting at the Young Artists Exhibition in Dhaka (1994), and the Uni Group Award at the 18th National Art Exhibition (2000). These awards reflect his dedication to his craft and his ability to capture the beauty of rural life in a way that resonates with people worldwide. Aside from his work as an artist, he has also made significant contributions to the artistic community as a professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA) at the University of Dhaka. He is known for his cheerful personality and his passion for teaching.
Afzal Hossain has a lighthearted side that shows in his love for drawing cartoons and caricatures of his colleagues.
This playful side of him is not just limited to his personal life but also plays a role in his professional work.
In fact, his interest in cartoons goes back to his student days. When he was in his final year at the Faculty of Fine Arts, he started a newspaper called Byango, which focused on satire and cartoons. He would also draw cartoons for various newspapers, including daily and weekly publications. Afzal Hossain recalls that when he became a teacher at the Institute of Fine Arts, he would often draw cartoons of his colleagues to amuse and provoke them. “I also took the challenge of drawing cartoons of famous artists Mohammad Eunus and Rafiqun Nabi at that time,” he said.
Throughout his career, his paintings have remained grounded in the everyday lives of people in Bangladesh’s villages.
His artwork often features scenes of rural women and children—figures who, though often overlooked in the broader societal narrative, form the backbone of rural communities. Through his art, Hossain brings these ordinary people to life, highlighting their dignity, strength, and beauty.
His ability to capture the spirit of rural life has made him one of Bangladesh’s most important and beloved artists.
His work reflects a deep understanding of the land and the people who live there, and he has earned a reputation for being a master of his craft. At the same time, Afzal Hossain’s personality shines through in his work as a teacher and in the humor and lightness he brings to his cartoons.
Sheikh Afzal Hossain’s art is not just a reflection of the world around him, it is also a reflection of his own character. He blends his love for his rural roots with a sense of joy and humor, creating a body of work that is both thought-provoking and deeply human. His paintings, full of warmth and life, continue to inspire and influence artists in Bangladesh and beyond. Through his work, Hossain has made an indelible mark on the art world, one that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the richness of rural life in Bangladesh.
His achievements, both as an artist and as a teacher, have helped shape the future of Bangladeshi art. His paintings, which beautifully capture the simplicity and depth of rural life, remain a reflection of his dedication to his craft and his ability to evoke timeless beauty. Sheikh Afzal Hossain’s legacy as an artist and educator ensures that his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
