Ismail Khokon
Ismail is a British-Bangladeshi socially engaged visual artist based in Nottingham, specialising in photography. His work amplifies the voices of marginalised communities, combining themes of environmentalism and social equity. Ismail engages in creative dialogue and social impact as a studio member at Primary Gallery, using photography, painting, sculpture, and installation to advocate for sustainability and community transformation.
He is Co-Production Creative Leader at the Justice Museum in Nottingham, an associate artist at Mansfield Museum, and a certified climate-aware photographer recognised by the Carbon Literacy Programme. Ismail is also a trustee and environmental lead at BACKLIT Gallery, and serves on the Steering Group for the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN EM), where he contributes to the artist selection process across the Midlands.
Ismail is a key member of the Art of Belonging (AOB) project, led by Refugee Roots, working alongside 18 local organisations to support the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers through art. His ethos aligns with AOB’s mission to create a world where all can thrive and contribute to their communities.
Exhibitions
2024: Speaks Her Name – Nottingham Central Library
2024: Speaks Her Name – Artcore Gallery, Derby
2024: Our Stories Are Wild – Derby Cathedral
2023: Moving Image – Primary Gallery, Nottingham
2023: Two Screen – Moving Image – Two Queens, Leicester
2023: Hidden Worlds – FORMAT 23 International Biennale, Derby Quad
2022: Shortlisted for 164 Exhibition – Royal Photographic Society, Bristol
2022: Freedom Exhibition – Justice Museum, Nottingham
2022: Real Utopias – Photo Fringe International Biennale, Brighton
2022: Open Eye Gallery – Look Photo Biennial, Liverpool
2021: Turning Point – Diffusion International Biennale, Wales
2020: Home Museum – Lagos International Photo Festival, Nigeria
Awards and Commissions
2023: Public Art Mural – Primary Gallery, Build Create Play Project
2021: Developing Your Creative Practice – Arts Council England, At The Crossroads
Upcoming Projects
2025: All Together Now – Mansfield District Council Cultural Services, Lead Artist & Curator
2025: Trees and Memories – Mansfield District Council Cultural Services, Lead Artist & Curator
2025: Migration Cells – Justice Museum
Past Projects
2024: Speaks Her Name – Nottingham Central Library
2024: Museum Explorer – Mansfield Museum
2024: Future Machine – University of Nottingham
2023: Our Barrier, Our Eyes – New Art Exchange, Nottingham
2023: Build Create Play – Primary Gallery, Mural Painting Commission
2023: Takeover – Captivate & Unanima Theatre, Mansfield
2023: Untold Stories – Artcore, Derby
2023: Migration Memory – Leicester Museum & Inspire Culture
2023: Compassion – Refugee Week, Refugee Roots
2022: Healing & Connecting – Refugee Week, Nottingham City of Sanctuary
2022: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges – BBFF, New Art Exchange
2022: Access Arts – Arts Council Funding, Refugee Roots