Walking along the open skies and shores of Cox’s Bazar, one often encounters the touch of colours, strokes of art, and stories unfolding on the walls—all bearing the signature of M. Zaheerul Islam Nayan.
His artworks adorned the walls across various branches of Mermaid Eco Tourism, including Mermaid Beach Resorts, Mermaid Eco Resort, Bangkokian, Mermaid Cafe, restaurants, and the Soul Salt Paint Bar.
Nayan has been deeply engaged in visual arts for over 25 years. Although Nayan’s artistic journey started locally, it has gradually expanded into the international arena over time.
Between 2000 and 2013, he was actively involved with various art institutions and projects in Dubai, which helped him develop his unique artistic language and skills to a global standard.
Apart from colours, his artworks also carry philosophy.
His artworks, like face painting, live painting, or symbolic visual art, continuously interconnect nature, emotions, and human relationships.
His artworks enliven the monthly festivals of Mermaid, like Full Moon Parties, Soul Sessions, and workshops. His face painting offers visitors a joyful discovery.
Mermaid Eco Tourism is set to organize a three-day “Burning Crab” festival in 2026, which will host numerous renowned artists from home and abroad, where Nayan will be a lead face artist.
Currently, he is working on an exceptional art project named “Glow of the Soul,” which explores the light of the soul through body art, illumination, colour, and symbolic representation.
Meanwhile, despite having no formal institutional art education, Nayan’s work and perspective repeatedly prove that art comes from the heart, dedication, and profound understanding.
In a tourism-driven region like Cox’s Bazar, the presence of an artist like Nayan signifies the artistic beauty and a cultural emblem of resilience and life.
By Saddam Hossain
Photo: Courtesy
