National Museum Archive

Aminul Islam Ashik (b. 1988, Dhaka, Bangladesh) is a visual artist whose work navigates the emotional, political, and cognitive dimensions of human experience. A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka (BFA 2010, MFA 2012), Ashik explores the human face as a symbolic medium—capturing moments of conflict, resilience, sorrow, and transformation. His practice spans sculpture, installation, and conceptual forms, often merging classical techniques with contemporary perspectives. Ashik’s art is rooted in the philosophical tension between humanity’s place within and against nature. This duality extends into social and political realms, where power and identity collide in cycles of struggle and adaptation. His works—ranging from portraits and objects to performative gestures—reflect layered realities shaped by both internal emotion and external forces. He has exhibited widely in Bangladesh and internationally, including at Documenta Fifteen (Germany), Kunsthaus Zürich (Switzerland), India Art Fair, Diriyah Biennale (Saudi Arabia), and Central Museum Utrecht (Netherlands). He has been an active participant in the Asian Art Biennale, National Art Exhibition, and collaborative projects with Britto—Arts Trust. Ashik’s works are in major public and private collections, including the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Liberation War Museum. He has received awards such as the Best Sculpture Award (18th Young Artists Exhibition) and Honorable Mention (24th National Art Exhibition), underscoring his evolving and reflective artistic journey.