Born in 1964 in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Nizar Kamal Ariffin started painting while working with the Ministry of Culture and Youth and was appointed as their Resident Artist at Taman Seni Budaya, Pahang. He joined SENIKA, the State of Art Society in Kuantan, Pahang in 1984. In 1986 Nizar pursued his studies in fine arts and graphics at University Sains Malaysia, Penang. He started painting professionally after graduation and moved to Kuala Lumpur in 1993. He painted at the Central Market, Kuala Lumpur at the Angkatan Pelukis SeMalaysia’s studio while freelancing mainly in graphics and print works. Nizar is a full-time artist and joined the Conlay Artist Colony at Craft Complex Malaysia in 1998.