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Gulf Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Colours of Arabian Sea: Atul Panase's art reflects both the UAE and India
'Creating something spontaneously, while establishing a meaningful conversation which can give happiness and a clear message to the masses, is the only way for me go ahead with art, regardless of the medium I use to express myself,' says Atul Panase, Brand Ambassador, Daniel Smith Artists' Materials and Co-curator, World Art Dubai, 2017 and 2018. He is based in Dubai and is a recipient of the Cultural Golden Visa. He has taken part in many national and international exhibitions, including at Fabriano in Acquarello, the biggest International festival dedicated to watercolour in Italy. He has curated many shows in the UAE and received multiple international awards, which includes the first prize in Watercolor Challenge-UAE Series organised for Channel 4 by Dubai International Art Centre (2002). Composition titled Swati. He has also won the Nikon Photography Award in Dubai. He has been a resident artist, attended innumerable art camps, given dozens of art talks and demonstrations and has won prestigious commissions from Dunhill-Switzerland (300 of his paintings were purchased by them; he won the contract beating 17 competitors from 17 countries) and Rice Perry Ellis Consultants, Dubai, among others. Recently, he was invited to an international watercolour event in Texas, USA, where he held a demo at the Fort Worth Art Community Centre. His art classes and workshops are appreciated both by students and art lovers. He has even held art workshops in the University of Socotra! During the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival in 2022, his watercolour portrait painting titled 'Purple Aura' was installed on Jebel Jais — the highest mountain in the UAE. It was a huge print of 40 square metres and was displayed on the occasion of the UAE National Day. Watercolour and Pen & Ink are his leading mediums, though he also works in pencil, charcoal, pastels and acrylics. Most of his artworks are portrait-based or are trendy/contemporary illustrations. Atul Panase draws his colours on Gulf Today's canvas Facing the world fearlessly. Why do you like colour and black and white? I love Nature; hence I love colours, because there is a natural connection between us and colours, as Nature is colourful. Different colours help to create a mood. I realise how the colours of walls of your home, studio or the place you visit, can change/enhance/uplift your mood. Black and white is the most favourite combination for me because it gives you a large number of greys, which can make the creation more soothing and meaningful. Many say that there is only one colour in the universe, which is Black! Black is the colour which never changes its nature, regardless the type, intensity or the colour of light. How does India and the UAE help you make art? India is the land of my birth and the UAE is the land of my work. I find a strong connection between the soil of my motherland and the sands of UAE. It is a connection of love, friendship, culture, tradition, food, music and fine arts itself, which have been nurtured with passion at many levels. In the domain of Nature. Can you tell us more about your brand ambassadorship? I am a proud brand ambassador and leader of Fabriano in Aquarello watercolour team of the UAE for the past ten years and also at Daniel Smith Artists' Materials. I was given the chance to build a team of talented watercolourists from the UAE at Fabriano in Aquarello in Italy, the biggest international watercolour festival in the world. So far, I have chosen 120+ artists from the UAE who come from over 10 nationalities and we have displayed our artworks not only in Italy, but in many other countries including USA, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia and China. This team of watercolourists includes very professional and young budding talented artists too! As ambassador of Daniel Smith Artists' Materials, we have begun activities such as introducing an award, named the Daniel Smith Artists' Materials Award. I am also offering free demos and workshops for art enthusiasts to get the experience of Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors, and also for them to learn a few new techniques. Work titled Hues of empowerment. What are the qualities needed for being a commissioned artist? To become a pro artist, one needs to work with the right mindset where you have to acquire the knowledge of that particular assignment and master many related subjects. One has also to produce high quality art pieces, besides meeting the given deadline. Apart from collectors' liking, what makes art collectible? That's a very subjective question as there are many forms of art and different types of artists as there are buyers! If your art showcases a unique approach, along with the use of unique techniques and is a very high quality finished artwork which can narrate an interesting story successfully adjusted to the price ... then the art is definitely a collectible one! Atul Panase with his watercolour work. How do you see yourself evolving in the next 25 years? Breaking my own barriers while setting new records in the form of bringing new techniques, working on new concepts, organising larger than life art events and yes, setting up my own studio, besides establishing a fine art college which can serve society in the most useful ways, are my tiny future dreams. They will help me to give back to the country I call my adopted motherland, the UAE, and show my gratitude for the opportunities given to me here!
Gulf Today
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Call of art, pull of Emirates: Kiran Kumar synergises his twin loves
Kiran Kumar from Mangaluru, India, is a Dubai-based, self-taught artist. While professionally a CFO who has been working in the audit field for over 20 years, he says he 'ensures my leisure hours are always packed with creative projects such as fashion photography photo shoots, pencil sketches, digital art creations, or the colorful palette of watercolours.' The landscape of the UAE plays a huge part in his works. He clicks designer masterpieces on the sand dunes of the desert and delivers photographs that have been used in numerous magazines and catalogues, among other publications. 'My brushstrokes evoke the pride that I feel in calling UAE my home away from home, my haven for creative pursuits and my muse for cultural diversity,' he says. He won the third prize in the watercolour competition held by International Watercolor Society (IWS) UAE in 2021. Kiran has taken part in IWS festivals in Hungary, Indonesia, Italy and Vietnam. He has also played a proactive role as part of the UAE team participating in Fabriano Acquarella – the annual watercolour exhibition held in Italy. Kiran's paintings are held by collectors in UAE, Australia, USA, Italy and India. He has also used his talent to help people through charity. The floods in Kerala and the global pandemic, are some of the tragedies he has addressed with art-for-charity. He holds art demos and works in plein air with fellow artists to learn and propagate art. A member of IWS UAE, he has been conferred the Cultural Golden Visa by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority for his artistic talent and community outreach. Kiran Kumar speaks to Gulf Today What made you pursue art seriously in the UAE? The country's thriving art scene, with its galleries, exhibitions, and deep appreciation for creative expression, has provided a fertile ground for me to grow as an artist. Beyond the formal platforms such as galleries, the cultural diversity of the UAE itself inspired me immensely. The blend of old and new — ancient traditions seamlessly coexisting with modernity — offered me endless subjects to paint. The energy of the souks, the tranquility of the desert, and the stunning play of light on Dubai's skyline, have all become recurring themes in my work. I am also fascinated with the iconic Burj Khalifa, which I incorporate in my skyline landscapes. How does a self-taught artist become a prize winner? Unlike formally trained artists, self-taught individuals have to carve their own path, which requires a strong will and tireless efforts to improve oneself. Without the guidance of traditional art schools, I turned to books, online resources, and most importantly, direct observation. Studying the works of great artists, experimenting with different techniques and constantly pushing my creative boundaries, helped me develop my style. Engaging with fellow artists, receiving constructive criticism and participating in exhibitions, have also played a crucial role in my progress. Such interactions have helped me refine my techniques and gain the confidence needed to submit my work for competitions. Why do you like watercolour? Watercolour is an extraordinary medium, one that embodies both spontaneity and control. What fascinates me the most about it is its unpredictability, how pigments interact with water, for example, in surprising ways. The transparency of watercolour allows for layering and depth, making it perfect for capturing light and atmosphere, which are central to my artistic vision. Light has the power to transform an ordinary scene into something ethereal, and watercolour, with its delicate washes and luminous qualities, allows me to express that magic. What attracts you to landscapes in the UAE? The UAE offers an incredible variety of landscapes that inspire me endlessly. From the vast, golden deserts that shift with the wind to the sleek, reflective skyscrapers of Dubai, every scene holds a story waiting to be painted. What I find most fascinating is the contrast — the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The vibrant souks and historical districts of Old Dubai stand in stark yet beautiful opposition to the futuristic skyline, while the serene coastline offers yet another dimension of inspiration. The way light interacts with these landscapes is what captivates me the most. The golden hour in the desert, where the dunes glow with an almost otherworldly radiance, or the reflections of city lights on water at night — these moments compel me to pick up my brush and translate them into art. What does art give you that your day job does not? As a CFO, my day-to-day work revolves around numbers, precision, and structure. It is a world governed by logic, calculations, and strategic decision-making. Art offers me something entirely different — freedom, expression, and emotional depth. It allows me to break free from rigid structures and explore a world of unlimited creativity. What are the prominent features of Indian and Arab art? Indian art is deeply rooted in history, mythology, and intricate detailing. It is characterised by vibrant colours, elaborate patterns, and symbolic storytelling. Traditional Indian miniature paintings, for instance, showcase incredible precision and narrative depth. Arab art, on the other hand, is known for its calligraphy, geometric patterns, and architectural elegance. The beauty of Arabic calligraphy lies in its fluidity and expressive nature, often blending text with visual elements seamlessly. I find both styles fascinating, and often incorporate elements from each into my work, creating a fusion that reflects both my heritage and my experiences in the UAE.
