Abdullah Al Mukramin, known as Kawaiikhoka to his growing fanbase, is not just an artist—he’s a storyteller. His journey from doodling in notebooks to becoming a recognized figure in the art world and social media is as vibrant and layered as his paintings. With a deep connection to his cultural roots and an innovative approach to modern platforms like TikTok, Kawaiikhoka is redefining how art meets storytelling.
Art has always been a refuge for Kawaiikhoka. As an only child until the age of seven, he spent countless hours watching TV and recreating characters from his favorite shows. This playful pastime soon evolved into a passion. “I’ve been doodling in my books and notebooks since childhood,” he shares. However, like many young dreamers, his creative pursuits took a backseat during his O-Level and A-Level studies. It wasn’t until the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that he returned to painting, armed with fresh inspiration from art films and an exploration of folk culture and mythology.
The story behind the name “Kawaiikhoka” is as imaginative as Kawaiikhoka’s art. Initially painting for personal enjoyment, it was his friend Turjo who pushed him to share his work online. Abdullah’s first post—a reimagined painting of characters from the classic Bengali folktale collection Thakumarjhuli—received overwhelming love and encouragement. This marked the beginning of his online presence.
When creating a dedicated art page, Kawaiikhoka blended his newfound love for anime with Bengali culture. The result? A unique moniker combining “Kawaii” (a Japanese term for “cute”) with “Khoka” (a colloquial Bengali term for a young boy). “It felt like the perfect reflection of my artistic style—playful, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in my heritage,” he explains.
Kawaiikhoka’s artistic process has evolved over the years. From experimenting with watercolors and poster colors to finding his groove with acrylics, he continually pushes his creative boundaries. Recently, he’s begun incorporating clay and fabric into his work, with ambitions to explore oil painting and embroidery.
For inspiration, Abdullah looks to his childhood memories. Folktales like Thakumarjhuli, children’s shows like Sisimpur, and the stories of Molla Nasiruddin have all left an indelible mark on his imagination. “The characters I loved as a child have grown with me, and now I bring their stories to life through my paintings,” he reflects.
Although Kawaiikhoka initially hesitated to share his art publicly, social media became an unexpected platform for storytelling. Encouraged by Turjo, he ventured onto TikTok, a decision that marked a turning point in his career. “What began as a hesitant step soon turned into an exciting journey,” he admit. The platform has not only helped him share his work but also weave narratives that resonate with a wider audience. “TikTok is a wonderful platform for storytelling,” he says. “I learned to use it to share the stories behind my artwork.”
The journey has been rewarding in more ways than one. Abdullah was honored as a panelist at the TikTok SMB Master Class, where he shared his perspective on combining art and social media. “From creating art at my small desk to speaking on a stage—it was truly humbling,” he recounts.
As a public figure, Kawaiikhoka acknowledges the challenges that come with being in the limelight. “Not everyone will love your work, and that’s okay,” he says. He focuses on constructive criticism while letting negative comments “fade into the void.”
Through his art, Kawaiikhoka aims to celebrate the richness of Bengali culture and inspire others to draw from their own traditions. “Our culture is whimsical and inspiring,” he says. “I want to show how we can use it to create something beautiful and meaningful.”
With plans to explore new artistic mediums and push the boundaries of his creativity, Kawaiikhoka’s future looks as vibrant as his art. To young artists hoping to combine their passion with social media, he offers simple yet profound advice: “Don’t hesitate. Share your work and enjoy the journey.”
Kawaiikhoka’s story is a testament to the power of blending tradition with innovation. His art is not just a reflection of his own journey but an invitation to others to celebrate their heritage and tell their own stories. Through every stroke of his brush, Kawaiikhoka continues to inspire—and redefine—what it means to be an artist in the digital age.