Firoz Mahmud. Photo: Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo

In the world of art, Firoz Mahmud needs no further introduction. From New York to Tokyo, his work has been showcased in more than 200 exhibitions and received immense popularity among art critics. He has won awards such as the Shilpachariya Zainul Gold Medal, the Countess Enid Driscoll-Spa Prize, the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant and much more. Though he says he is mostly inspired by S M Sultan, over the years, Firoz has established his own signature style which portrays his own thoughts. Apart from his art he is also an assistant professor at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh.

Firoz Mahmud's journey into the world of art began from a very early age. "I loved to draw and used to draw on anything I could get my hands on," says Firoz. "My father was a lawyer and I remember I even drew on his important documents. Needless to say my creativity wasn't well received." After completing his schooling in Khulna, Firoz got admission in Dhaka University, Institute of Fine Arts, where the doors to the creative world opened for him. "This was the first time I felt I found my own space where I could be invincible," says the artist. 

After completing his Masters, Firoz was awarded with the Rijksakademie Van Beeldende Kunsten fellowship in Germany. "Every artist has a turning point in their lives and getting this grant was mine. It showed me that whatever I am doing is good and I can keep doing this for the rest of my life," says Firoz. Though his work was already being exhibited around the globe, his illustration in Tokyo named Sucker`wfp21 gave him the spotlight he deserved. "The idea was to create the Super Hornet F/A18, a plane used in World War 2 with earthly elements such as beans and rice. I wanted to show how these deadly machines truly affect our society," says Firoz. He also adds, "I was a little sceptical at first, but the response was more than I was hoping for."

From paintings to illustration, Firoz has mastered most of it. When asked if he considers himself a painter or an illustrator he says, "My true identity is that I am an artist. I don't just want to be a painter or an illustrator because that just limits your creativity." Firoz is currently working on his paintings inspired by Mughal manuscripts which will be exhibited this coming June in New York.