Artist Statement
I was born in Male’, Maldives in 1982. My art career started with a small-scale handmade bags venture, which led me in to various other aspects of the craft. Initially, I was using ready-made fabrics to make the bags. I wanted to make bags from my own designed fabrics and that opened me to a whole new world of pattern making, drawing and painting. Even though I have had no formal art training, I enjoy the process of learning through making.
Moving to Sri Lanka in 2014 was a notable turning point of my art career. The remedy for homesickness was to think of things that made me feel closer to home. At the same time, in contrast to the city life I was living in Male’, the new environment grew my appreciation of the natural world. Along with making bags from ‘flora and fauna’ themed original fabrics I was determined to improve my drawing and painting skills. Experimenting with various techniques and mediums I fell in love with watercolors as my favourite.
There is always an element of surprise when I am working with watercolors. I love to take advantage of what water does on the paper whilst transforming the image to look realistic.
I was very inspired by having the chance to see the original works of world-class botanical artists up-close when I moved to UK in 2019. It also inspired me to start the series of work that I am currently making. Whilst the work keeps me connected to home, I also feel that I am artistically contributing to the vibrant art community in Maldives as well as taking part in promoting our way of life to a broader global audience.
I was born in Male’, Maldives in 1982. My art career started with a small-scale handmade bags venture, which led me in to various other aspects of the craft. Initially, I was using ready-made fabrics to make the bags. I wanted to make bags from my own designed fabrics and that opened me to a whole new world of pattern making, drawing and painting. Even though I have had no formal art training, I enjoy the process of learning through making.
Moving to Sri Lanka in 2014 was a notable turning point of my art career. The remedy for homesickness was to think of things that made me feel closer to home. At the same time, in contrast to the city life I was living in Male’, the new environment grew my appreciation of the natural world. Along with making bags from ‘flora and fauna’ themed original fabrics I was determined to improve my drawing and painting skills. Experimenting with various techniques and mediums I fell in love with watercolors as my favourite.
There is always an element of surprise when I am working with watercolors. I love to take advantage of what water does on the paper whilst transforming the image to look realistic.
I was very inspired by having the chance to see the original works of world-class botanical artists up-close when I moved to UK in 2019. It also inspired me to start the series of work that I am currently making. Whilst the work keeps me connected to home, I also feel that I am artistically contributing to the vibrant art community in Maldives as well as taking part in promoting our way of life to a broader global audience.
Exhibitions
2021 – Abbey Hotel Bath, Oct 2021 – Jan 2022, Bath, UK
2021 – In-Grief in Solidarity, SAAG Anthology, Dhivehi Artists Showcase, June, Online Exhibition
2019 – Fura Collection, September, LeCute, Male’, Maldives
2017 – Iruvai Collection, April, Maldives Festival of Arts, National Art Gallery, Male’, Maldives
2015 – Iruvai Collection, January, Maldives Festival of Arts, National Art Gallery, Male’, Maldives
2014 – Iruvai Collection, June, Art and Craft Bazaar, National Art Gallery, Male’, Maldives
2013 – Maldives Consumer Fair, April, Dharubaaruge, Male’, Maldives