Born 1942 in Chandpur, Bangladesh, Monirul Islam is a noted artist who is recognised for his stylistic explorations of the abstract. He is particularly noted for his signature prints, with the artist turning to paint and canvas in relatively recent years. After graduating in fine arts from the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Dhaka, he moved to Spain in 1969 on a scholarship from the Spanish government. 

Drawing and building on the techniques of both eastern and western artists Islam arrived at his own distinct style, often referred to as ‘Monir’s school’ in Spain. His works explore the emotions and mnemonics of human life. Touching on both bliss and distress, he explores structure, colour and balance through the medium at hand. Symbology pervades through his work, with doodles, sharp lines, dots and motifs coming together to create his distinct vocabulary of expression.

With an extensive repertoire of solo and group exhibitions to his name, Islam was awarded the Accesit National Award of Spain (1993) and the “Cross of officer of the Order of Queen Isabella” in Spain, for his outstanding contribution to art (2010). More recently, he received the Royal Spanish Order of Merit (2018).