Sourav Bonik, a visual storyteller and director at Art Pix LTD, is bringing his brush to life as a final-year painting student at Jahangirnagar University. From the riverside town of Bhola, an island surrounded by the Meghna River, Sourav’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in the natural landscapes and rural life of his hometown. From a young age, he was captivated by the flowing rivers, fishermen at work, and the serene yet vibrant countryside, which continue to inspire the subjects of his paintings today.
I am from Bhola, which is surrounded by rivers and the boats and people who live by the river. I find these places and people quite interesting, and I try to make them the subjects of my paintings,
Sourav says, highlighting the connection he feels with his origin. Nature, for him, is not just scenery but a living presence that shapes the stories he tells on canvas. His fascination with natural textures and the hidden narratives of everyday environments drives much of his creative work. Sourav’s journey into art began with his uncle, who introduced him to the world of painting and gave him early exposure to artistic practice. By class six in 2012, he had already made up his mind: “I had decided that I want to become an artist.” This early inspiration laid the foundation for a lifelong exploration of color, light, and expression. Later, exposure to Western artists, especially from the Renaissance and Impressionist periods, expanded his artistic vocabulary. Figures like Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Edgar Degas left a lasting impact on his approach, particularly their ways of capturing nature and light.
“I love the colors in Monet’s paintings, his representation of light and shadow, and nature, these things inspire me the most,”
he notes.
While landscapes remain central to his work, Sourav’s interests are not limited to them. Portraiture in various mediums has long been a passion, and he enjoys experimenting with style and technique. Over time, his work has evolved from realism to a more impressionist style, capturing moods, fleeting moments, and the essence of his subjects rather than precise details. Working plein air allows him to immerse himself in his environment, drawing inspiration directly from the scenes before him.
Sourav follows a structured creative process, beginning with small sketches and thumbnail compositions. He often travels to riverbanks and rural areas across Bangladesh, carrying a sketchbook to capture ideas, forms, and compositions that may later develop into full-scale paintings. This method allows him to combine observation with imagination, resulting in works that are both authentic and expressive. He works in watercolor, acrylic, oil, and mixed media, though watercolor remains his preferred medium due to its accessibility and versatility. As an artist, Sourav has faced the challenges common to emerging creatives in Bangladesh. Financial struggles due to expensive materials, lack of institutional support, limited market access, underpayment, and the concentration of opportunities in Dhaka are just a few of the hurdles he has encountered. Social stigma around art as a career and copyright issues add to the complexity. Yet, his dedication remains unwavering, guided by patience and persistence.
“I think taking it easy and taking it slow but consistent is the key. Great things are done by a series of small things brought together,”
he believes, quoting Vincent Van Gogh.
Beyond traditional painting, Sourav has explored innovative approaches to engage audiences. He contributed to Bangladesh’s first-ever 3D Art Gallery, a project by Art Pix LTD, where he created interactive wall paintings. This venture combines his directorial role with his artistic vision, opening up new ways for viewers to experience art. Through these efforts, Sourav hopes to expand interactive art throughout Bangladesh while continuing to produce meaningful paintings that resonate globally.
For him, art is a medium of expression and connection. He strives to communicate his feelings, observations, and experiences through brushstrokes, inviting viewers to share his perspective. “I want people to feel what I feel, how I see things. I want to express myself to the viewer through my brushstrokes,” he says, emphasizing the personal and emotional dimension of his work. He also believes in the power of conceptual painting to provoke thought, challenge norms, and inspire dialogue on social, political, and emotional issues.
Sourav draws inspiration from his surroundings, his heritage, and the broader history of art. His works celebrate the beauty of rural Bangladesh while exploring universal themes of light, color, and human connection. He continues to experiment, learn, and evolve as an artist, with aspirations to collaborate internationally. Monet, one of his greatest influences, remains an imagined collaborator he hopes to emulate in spirit.
Through his art, Sourav Bonik not only tells the story of Bhola’s rivers, boats, and villagers but also reveals a broader dialogue between nature, color, and human experience. With each painting, he invites viewers to pause, observe, and reflect, making his impressionist vision both personal and universal—a true celebration of life through the eyes of an artist devoted to seeing the world in color, light, and movement.
