Shameem Akanda is one of the promising painters of Bangladesh, distinguished not only by his artistic practice but also by his active engagement in social and cultural life. Beyond the canvas, he has made meaningful contributions as a social activist. He serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Bangladesh Chess Federation and has been deeply associated with chess since his school years. He is also the editor of “Sadakalo 64”, a magazine dedicated to the intellectual and cultural dimensions of chess. In addition, he is a member of the executive panel of Gram Pathagara Andolon, a leading organization within Bangladesh’s library movement.
Akanda’s creative pursuits extend into literature and cinema. As a poet, he is the author of the poetry collection “Ami Eka Noi”, and as a screenwriter, he has written and produced several short films. Yet, above all these multifaceted engagements, painting remains the central axis of his life. Alongside his professional corporate career, he maintains a disciplined and continuous practice as a visual artist and has participated in numerous group exhibitions.
Deeply committed to art education, particularly for children, he is the director of “Art Poetry”, a children’s organization dedicated to nurturing creativity and artistic expression. His work reveals a sustained excellence in portraiture, a genre in which he continues to experiment with form, emotion, and technique. Through focused exploration, he aspires to elevate portrait painting to a distinctive and contemporary position.
He also demonstrates a keen sensitivity toward landscape painting, exploring the genre through diverse media and approaches. His artistic practice encompasses watercolor, acrylic, pencil, pastel, and most notably, charcoal. Equally compelling is his engagement with conceptual painting, where his intellectual depth and visual language find thoughtful expression.
In every field he engages with, Shameem Akanda’s contribution is marked by dedication and distinction. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Dhaka and has further enriched his artistic vision through participation in numerous group workshops and art camps, gaining wide-ranging experience and insight.